Lithgow Council has moved to correct the public’s understanding about the situation with the Ironfest event. This follows assertions by the group responsible for the event that the Council is not supportive of this event.
The Council’s General Manager, Craig Butler said, “Council has been a long-term advocate and supporter of Ironfest. Historically, Council has provided financial and in-kind assistance to Ironfest, the last being in 2019 consisting of $15,000.”
Mr Butler continued, “Just recently, one of the principals for the Ironfest event contacted Council and indicated that they were considering running the event in 2023 after covid and other factors prevented this in recent years. We were buoyed by this advice.”
Mr Butler added “At this point in time we have not received a proper request from Ironfest outlining the level of support they are seeking from the Council. Our budget has already been committed up until July 2023, and we have very restricted funds. But, we will carefully consider any proposal that comes forward”.
“It needs to also be understood that this is an event which is privately provided, as distinct from the free public events we deliver. We will not be pressured into directing public money to privately run events.”
Council has also offered further assistance to Ironfest to seek alternative funding sources through grants and commercial sponsorships.
