Mount Gambier’s 2023 New Year’s Eve committee is on the search for community minded members to help with organising this year’s celebrations in the Blue Lake city.

Long-time volunteer Steve Toope has stepped down as the festival’s chair, with Scott Turner appointed to fill the position.

Mr Turner said Mr Toope would assist the new committee from behind the scenes and provide advice if required.

Mr Turner thanked Steve for his commitment to the event and said both agreed it was time for new members to come on board and to reinvigorate the event.

The celebrations were first held in 2009 and have been held annually, except for a two-year COVID hiatus.

Mr Turner said the event aimed to provide a family friendly environment and was determined to try to make it affordable for all to attend.

To help to keep the tradition going, Mr Turner is calling for members of the community to join the committee and provide expertise, experiences, assistance and ideas to ensure the ongoing success of the community event.

“It is important that community events be maintained and continue,” he said.

“They are part of the fabric of the community and they play a significant role in allowing the community to celebrate.

“It does not matter what the community event is, it is important that it is held.

“We should be striving for more community events.”

Mr Turner said interested community members were invited to attend a meeting on June 15 at 7pm at the Mount Gambier RSL.

“We wish to see as many interested people as possible and all will be welcomed,” he said.

For further information, please contact Scott Turner on 0418 244 705, email

communityeventsmg@gmail.com or look up the New Years Eve Festival Mount Gambier on Facebook.