The Rotary Club of Mount Gambier Lakes is seeking financial support of nearly $15,000 from Mount Gambier City Council to host a conference in March next year.

The sponsorship application by the club is seeking $14,820 for conference expenses and up to $180 in-kind support.

A break-down of the support includes $10,000 event sponsorship, $1590 for Riddoch Arts Cultural Centre venue hire, $500 towards Mayoral reception for 25 people, $2730 for Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre venue hire and in-kind support of $180 for event equipment hire.

However, it has been noted there is no allocation within the adopted financial year 2023-24 budget, therefore the report is being put before council to determine funding allocation.

Council’s Community Events officer Xarnia Keding has reported funding support for this unbudgeted proposal will deplete the contingency budget allocation for the current financial year.

Two proposals will be tabled at council’s September monthly meeting today.

Option A recommends the funding from existing events budget, by removing funding for another event or reducing funding for other events.

Option B proposes an additional budget allocation requested as part of Budget Review 1.

“This conference will utilise the endorsed contingency funds allocated in Community Event Sponsorship 2023-24,” Ms Keding said.

A similar conference was last held in Mount Gambier in April 2018 with 420 members attending mainly from Victoria and South Australia.

Ms Keding said the 2024 conference is expected to have 400 members attend of which 250 are intra or interstate visitors with an average spend per person per day of $155.

“This has been calculated to have an economic benefit of over $285,000,” she said.

“The club has designed a three-day program held in many of council’s venues and tourist attractions.

“The program includes a heritage walk and gallery tour both provided by council staff.”

Rotary Club of Mount Gambier Lakes is contributing $10,000 cash in addition to the individual members paying a registration fee, equating to a further $50,000 contribution to the event.

“Council acknowledges the significant contribution that Rotary makes to our community through various activities to support fundraising activities, wellbeing and mental health initiatives,” Ms Keding said.

“By hosting this event in Mount Gambier, we understand the profile of event patrons will predominately drive to our city with family and provide further opportunity for staying longer and disperse throughout the area and experiencing our region.”