General News
5 September, 2024
Soundshell for summer
Dimboola Progress Association (DPA) Inc is kicking goals for the community this year, looking forward to the completion of the new Soundshell facilities.
The combined efforts of the DPA committee, council, WSCC, community fundraisers, roadside cropping contributions and local businesses will result in a much larger Soundshell, with disability carparking and footpath access to the stage, upgraded power and catering facilities.
President Kaylene Pietsch said the committee was grateful for the support and assistance it had received from various people and businesses.
“Some of these projects have been in the pipeline for over 10 years and it is so satisfying to see them finally coming to fruition,” Ms Pietsch said.
Ms Pietsch said there was still more brickwork to be completed by Ross Johns concreting with the assistance of Adam King, Tim Miller and Nick Pietsch, as well as plumbing by Bruce Miller, and benchtops supplied for West Vic Wholesales at the new catering shelter.
Brad Williams will be installing new electricals, and lighting along the new paths and paved area.
“We are aiming to have the Soundshell and surroundings complete by Christmas and hold a grand opening concert so we can thank the community and the volunteers for their support,” Ms Pietsch said.
DPA is also celebrating a sizable grant from Hindmarsh Shire Council after applying to the Regional Community Events Grants program.
This program supports community events that celebrate culture, heritage and community wellbeing, boost the economy and increase visitation to Hindmarsh Shire.
Consideration is guided by the number of attendees expected at an event, with $2000 awarded to tier-one events expecting up to 500 attendees, $4000 awarded to tier-two events expecting up to 1500 attendees, and $7500 awarded to tier-three events expecting more than 1500 attendees.
The 2024-25 budget allocated $19,000 in funds - with $13,500 allocated in this round and the balance used to open a second round of funding in December.
DPA successfully applied for tier-three funding, based on evidence of more than 2000 tickets being sold for the 2023 event, and will receive $7500 - $6000 in cash and $1500 in kind - for the 2025 Steampunk event.
Organisers plan to use the funds to bring circus performers to the festival in keeping with next year’s theme, “The Carnival of Peculiarities”, where Cirque du Soleil meets a fantastical 19th-century Dimboola.
The other two successful applicants were the Rainbow Rises Event Association, which will receive $2000 cash and $2000 in kind to support the 2025 ARB Rainbow Desert Enduro, subject to conditions being met, and the Piggery Lane Players, which will receive $1500 cash and $500 in kind for its 2024 stage production.