Page 691 - Week 03 - Thursday, 15 March 2007
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Canberra Day—performers
(Question No 1474)
Dr Foskey asked the Chief Minister, upon notice, on 28 February 2007:
(1) Why doesn’t the ACT Government use Canberra Day to promote local performers;
(2) Will a separate body be set up to organise Canberra’s Bicentennary with representatives of the National Capital Authority, the ACT Government and relevant community groups so that planning can begin now;
(3) Has the Government given thought to extending musical evening events which were popular with young people during the Multicultural Festival and the Fringe Festival, for example a Groovin’ in Garema specifically geared towards the young, with a group of young people involved in the organising, over at least the period of daylight saving on one weekend evening on a (a) weekly, (b) fortnightly or (c) monthly basis.
Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) A key focus of Celebrate in the Park is promotion of local performers. Five local bands played to audiences between 7,000 – 15,000 people at this year’s event on Sunday 11 March. This is a unique opportunity for these local groups to perform to such a large crowd and to develop their audience. The event provides local bands with the opportunity to further develop their careers by playing on the same bill as major acts. This is an outstanding opportunity that may not otherwise be available.
The local musicians are also promoted through media releases and opportunities with the local press. In the March 1 edition of the Canberra Review within City News, local band Meatbee was promoted on the front page and in a substantial article within the Canberra Review. This article also promoted Los Chavos and The Cashews who performed at Celebrate in the Park. Ben Lopez of Meatbee noted in this article that performing at an event of this scale had been a long-term goal of the band.
The local entertainers at Celebrate in the Park were also promoted in The Canberra Times Lift-out, which is produced to promote the Celebrate Canberra Festival.
(2) The ACT Government is focusing on preparations for Canberra’s Centenary in 2013 (assuming you are referring to the Centenary not the Bicentenary). Consultation has taken place across a wide cross-section of the community including the National Capital Authority, Department of Territories and Regional Services and relevant community groups.
Eleven working groups with broad representation of key stakeholder groups have been considering future planning requirements and funding sources. These groups have reported to the Chief Minister.
While overall planning is ongoing, the ACT Government is awaiting a firm commitment from the Australian Government to ensure a true partnership arrangement for the delivery of an appropriate Centenary program.
A taskforce formed by the five past and present Chief Ministers of the ACT is the overarching governance body and the Communications, Arts, Events and Protocol section within CMD has carriage of the project at present.
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