The hard yards put in by the Cromwell and Districts Promotion Group(CDPG) to organise events in the town were recognised yesterday by the Cromwell Community Board.

In granting a further $21,373 to the mainly-volunteer group, the Board acknowledged their contribution in providing numerous events with only two part-time employees.

“They are very hard-working and do a hell of a lot of work organising events for the community,” board member Bob Scott said.

While the group had already been issued around $79,000 in this year’s promotional grants, board chairperson Anna Harrison said the group “made it go an awful long way” to provide the events.

CDPG chairperson Carolyn Murray, speaking during a public forum, said while efforts were made to secure funding from corporate sponsors and other funders, these groups often desired their name to be attached to an aspect of an event.

When monies were needed for operational work it was harder to attract such interest.

The next event would be ‘Light Up Winter’ in early July, which would be longer this year with new attractions such as a temporary ice-skating rink, she said.

The additional $21,373 brings the total grant to the group for the 2021-2022 year to $100,646. This was an increase over the previous full years funding of 16.75%, according to a council report.

In the only other application heard yesterday, the Cromwell and Districts Community Arts Trust were granted $2,240 in promotional funds to assist in hosting four concerts in a series of chamber music.

Members suggested clearer communication to groups about the availability of council’s community grant funds, following a lack of applications for these.

Annually, there is $49,925 to distribute in the Cromwell community grants scheme and $106,219 to distribute in the promotions grants scheme.

Have your say…public submissions will soon be invited on a draft management plan for the Bannockburn Domain.

Bannockburn Reserve Planning

Submissions will be invited from the public on a draft management plan for the Bannockburn Domain, which is predominantly used as a camping ground.

The current plan was 22 years old and with significant growth and development happening in the area, an update was needed.

Deputy mayor Neil Gillespie suggested a change in perception may be needed that the public domain was essentially a camping ground and that it could be made more inviting so people were aware it was available for other uses such as sports.

Board less than tickled pink by names

The developers of the Wooing Tree subdivision will be asked to provide “more appropriate” road name options after their ten wine and family-related suggestions were rejected.

Suggestions including Tickled Pink Lane, Cellar Court and Sparkling Close were not favoured by the board who felt those with a direct meaning or connection to the district and its history would be better.

Previous road names approved for earlier stages of the development had included Blondie Drive,

Vintage Street and Magnum Drive and Ms Harrison felt it would be remiss of the board to allow the wine-related theme to continue for whole site.

The developer would also be given the opportunity to provide back-stories for the suggestions, which the board may reconsider.