The Grant District Council has confirmed the Bay Festival will not proceed next year due to the absence of a committee.
After a five-year hiatus, the Bay Escape returned in February 2025 renamed the Bay Festival with a fresh family focus.
However, council noted at their September meeting last week they received advice in March 2025 the Port MacDonnell Bayside Festival Association Inc. would conclude its operations, with any future iterations of the Bay Festival event to be managed by other incorporated bodies under a new identity.
Council’s approved budget for the 2025/2026 financial year included $6000 of support for the festival.
A proposal was presented at council’s September in the Strategy, Growth and Resilience Update by Strategy and Growth manager Rebecca Perkin to redirect the Bay Festival funds to Holdfast Art Inc’s Seaweed Celebration Program.
“Council recently received a sponsorship proposal from Holdfast Art Inc (and a representative of the outgoing Port MacDonnell Bay Festival Association Inc.) that council’s approved budget of $6000 of support for the Bay Festival be redirected to the Holdfast Art Inc’s Seaweed Celebration Program,” Mrs Perkins said.
“Since their earlier funding requests, the Holdfast Art group has become an incorporated body, Holdfast Limestone Coast Inc, and is now eligible to be funded directly.
“Described as, ‘more than a festival’ Seaweed- a celebration is designed as the foundation for a long-term, sustainable celebration that showcases the Limestone Coast’s unique marine heritage while attracting visitors, building knowledge, and strengthening regional identity.
“The Seaweed Celebration consists of a program of events that will be run across the Limestone Coast and showcase Grant District Council venues such as the Hangar Art Gallery at the Mount Gambier Regional Airport along with outdoor tourist destinations in the district such as guided beach walks, and an outdoor dining opera at Germain Reserve.
“Seaweed will be a week-long exploration of algae through the lenses of art, science, and culture.
“This immersive event invites people to engage in small-group experiences, guided walks, underwater exploration, exhibitions and citizen science initiatives that foster connection with the local marine environment.”
The South Australian Tourism Commission has agreed to redirect funds of $10,000 from the Bay Festival to the Holdfast Art Inc’s Seaweed Celebration “which includes a particular focus on the environment at Port MacDonnell”.
The proposal by Holdfast Art Inc outlined that while the projected cost of the Seaweed Celebration is over $65,000, including a cost of more than $17,000 for the outdoor dining opera at Germain Reserve, “the budget is designed to break even.”
“With SATC funding confirmed and corporate sponsorships being sought, the event organisers are seeking $6000 from Grant District Council to help present the event’s most prominent and high-profile experiences, highlighting the region’s leadership in arts, culture, and environmental connection,” Mrs Perkins said.
Council received and noted the Strategy, Growth and Resilience Update but adjourned the decision on funding until October’s council meeting.
