The Winton ‘Way Out West Fest’ was established in conjunction with the re-opening of the Waltzing Matilda Centre in April 2018 and attracted many thousands of visitors over four days of great entertainment.  This was at a time when the community and local businesses were doing it tough, dealing with drought and population decline.  Given the community acceptance of this inaugural event, the Council delivered a second event in 2019 which once again, provided a considerable cash injection for our local businesses and provided a great spectacle for locals and visitors alike.

Despite reducing costs for the second event, a shortfall in tickets sales compared to the previous year, resulted in a negative financial result for this event.  At the September 2019 Council Meeting, a petition was received, signed by many locals requesting Council make this an annual event and arrange for a third “Way Out West Fest” to be held in 2020.  Council is most appreciative of the community support it has received for this event, however for this event to be held in the future, a review and restructure of the event is required to mitigate against future financial risks for Council.

For this to occur and given April / May appears the best event date, there will be no “Way Out West Fest” in 2020.  However, Council has resolved: -

• THAT Council agrees to hold a third Winton Way Out West Fest in 2021 with the event date and method of delivery to be determined and subject to the availability and securing of headline performer/s.

Council can appreciate this decision will create some disappointment for sections of our community, however we are faced with many competing priorities including aged care facilities, public infrastructure and the increasing cost of providing council services.  Council remains supportive of the Winton Way Out West Fest, however the cost of holding this event cannot be at the detriment of the wider community.