Council is delighted to share some key findings with the community relating to the 2022 Leeton Chill & Grill event that was held on Saturday, 22 October 2022. Not only did it mark the return of the much-loved event after a lengthy COVID hiatus but also in venue with a return to Mountford Park.
The popular event was funded through the successful receipt of a NSW Government Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program grant valued at $42,500, along with support from local businesses Hotel Leeton, JBS, Stahmann Webster, The Irrigator, Milbrae, Wade Hotel and Beyond Bank. Their generous contributions came in at $13,545.45. Council's contribution as per the adopted 2022/2023 budget was $10,000.
"We were very fortunate to have been given substantial grant funding for events post COVID," highlighted General Manager Jackie Kruger during yesterday's Ordinary Meeting.
Despite inclement weather conditions and road closures caused by flooding, the Chill & Grill event was well received with an estimated 1,600 people in attendance. It featured 10 food & beverage providers, 7 alcohol providers, 5 children's amusement providers and live entertainment by Australian singer-songwriter Jack Gray as well as popular local bands Jiakomo Thief and Good Daze.
Executive Manager Economic & Community Development Michelle Evans deemed the event a great success with a potential $40,000 value added to the local economy – based on data collected by automated counters installed at Mountford Park.
"Despite the challenges on the day, it was great to see that the event was able to provide a quality entertainment experience for the community, whilst giving back and supporting our local businesses," she said.
Cr Morris shared those sentiments: "It was a lovely free event open to the community for all to enjoy," she said.
Cr Ciccia added that it goes to show how supportive the local community is and how they get behind events such as this.
"73% of attendees came from Leeton or Yanco but there were also a lot of people from Grififth and as far as Wagga or even Sydney," he said.
The community can mark their calendars with the 2023 Leeton Chill & Grill event set to return on Saturday, 21 October 2023. A number of recommendations are expected to be implemented after reviewing feedback from over 90 respondents who completed an after-event survey. Next year, Council aims to provide more varied food options and will expand the Over 18 Restricted Area to allow patrons enjoying a cold beverage to have a better view of the live entertainment.
