Charlotte Varcoe
FOUR permanent structures will be constructed at the OB Flat Generations in Jazz parcel of land.
Premier Peter Malinauskas made the $720,000 announcement tonight while in attendance at the annual event.
The state government funding will provide four permanent structures in a bid to assist in further ongoing revenue for the event.
It is expected the permanent constructions will save organisers $100,000 per year.
While not being used for the event, the structures will be able to be utilised as storage facilities for caravans, motorhomes and boats.
It is estimated organisers would gain $150,000 in revenue per year which would be used to further attract interstate school participation.
Generations in Jazz board member Kylie Boston said organisers were grateful for the investment.
“It goes without saying we’re all beyond grateful and excited for this show of support
for the event we’ve grown from the ground up over the last 30 years,” Ms Boston said.
“We’ve always had a vision to make this festival like nothing else in Australia, and
from humble beginnings we’ve managed to grow it where we’ve had countless
thousands of students and people come to Mount Gambier every year, but support
like this will help us truly take it to the next level nationally.”
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell said the annual jazz festival held the “distinguished title of being the sole event” granted ‘major event’ status by the state government outside of metropolitan Adelaide.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the numerous volunteers and
board members who have tirelessly guided this event over the decades, ensuring its
continuity in Mount Gambier,” Mr Bell said.
“This funding secures the future of Generations in Jazz and paves the way for its
evolution into a truly national event. It will allow our state’s students to continue to
showcase their talents alongside the country’s top jazz musicians and vocalists, right
here in the Limestone Coast.”
Mr Malinauskas alongside Minister for Regional Development Clare Scriven and Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels said the Generations in Jazz event was incredible, phenomenal and created a fantastic economical income for the region.
