Weerama will be back next year, but organisers are appealing for support and sponsorship to ensure the festival’s success.
Festival president Marcel Mahfoud said the committee would not be able to apply for funding as it has in previous years.
He said this was due to the timing of the festival (March) and changed deadlines for grant applications while the council is in caretaker mode pending October 22 elections.
The committee has decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign to raise the cash needed to run a successful Weerama festival.
“We’re crowdfunding, and we’re going to look at other fundraising methods, such as sausage sizzles and sponsorship,” Mr Mahfoud said. “We’re calling out to the community … this is your festival.
“We need the community’s help to support the community’s festival.”
He said the committee is also seeking in-kind support from businesses to cover security services and insurance.
Despite a cloud over the festival funding, Mr Mahfoud said he is confident next year’s event – now in its 48th year – will live up to residents’ expectations.
“We’re going to have a two-day festival with all the traditional elements, plus stage music and fireworks,” he said.
“We’re also putting a lot of effort into the parade. We want more vehicles in the parade from more community groups.”
He said the committee also needs more volunteers to help plan the festival.
Weerama has a jaded past when it comes to funding. The committee applied for a $60,000 grant as part of the council’s 2014-15 annual grants round, but received only $25,000.
Shortly afterwards, the festival committee pulled the plug on the 2015 event, hoping to use the funds to fix up governance issues, such as administration and book-keeping.
The council rejected its funding request, withdrew its pledge, and the festival did not go ahead.
It returned this year, however, backed by the council with a $30,000 grant. The 2017 festival is scheduled for March 18 and 19.
Donations: www.gofundme.com/2r6dwjns
