FireworksState Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, announced today that the State Government will make a $10,000 grant from its “Putting Locals First” fund to the Lakes Entrance New Year’s Eve Skyfest.

“Families have been coming to Lakes Entrance for over 60 years on New Year’s Eve to see the annual spectacular firework shows. It is a major event that brings together families from East Gippsland and families holidaying at Lakes Entrance.

“The Skyfest is one of those events community members just expect to happen each year, but of course there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes from the local community and those who have done this past and present deserve special kudos.

“This grant will help to ensure the success of this year’s festivities,” said Mr Bull.

The New Year’s Eve celebrations were under threat in August when Lakes Entrance Business and Tourist Association said they could no longer manage the event and concerns were expressed in relation to its ongoing viability.

In September Lakes Entrance Rotary, after strong support for the event from the Lakes Entrance community, agreed to take responsibility for Skyfest.

Chairperson of Skyfest, Louise Allen, said that this year’s Skyfest will have an increased budget because of the support of State and Local Government, the generous contributions from major sponsors and donations from many Lakes Entrance businesses and residents.

“The fireworks shows at 9.30pm and midnight promise to be bigger and brighter than ever. The festivities will commence at 4pm on the Lakes Entrance foreshore and will conclude with the midnight fireworks show.

”The entertainment will feature the well-known Rusty Nails band together with local entertainers.”  Ms Allen said.

Skyfest committee member and Manager of East Gippsland Aboriginal Arts Corporation, Bianca Ratzmann, said she was particularly pleased that the ‘Putting Locals First’ grant will support the involvement of the Aboriginal community in Skyfest.

Ms Ratzmann said, “this will mean the successful Aboriginal Marshall program will continue, art and craft workshops involving local Aboriginal artists will be held and a local Aboriginal dance group will perform.”

For more information contact Bruce Hurley 0400 196 797