Mobile stage on move – East Gippsland

Band playing on a mobile stage

New management responsibilities will be put in place for the mobile stage and audio equipment leased to East Gippsland Shire Council by John Dahlsen.

The stage is available for community and commercial events groups and Council has managed bookings for the first year. An opportunity has been identified to pass the responsibility to a business that specialises in equipment hire.

Council will relinquish the mobile stage and associated equipment to Mr Dahlsen so a new lease can be established with a local entertainment equipment hire business.

Mayor Cr John White said the change should be a positive for the community.

“Given the environment in which council operates, the hire fees we needed to charge were higher than what can be achieved in the commercial sector,” Cr White said.

“The mobile stage is a great asset for the East Gippsland community and creates the opportunity for new elements at events throughout the region.”

Council has confirmed an existing booking for the stage can be delivered by the new arrangement and all current expressions of interest will also be passed on for follow-up.

Mr Dahlsen said the mobile stage lends itself well to East Gippsland’s dispersed community.

“We have many small, isolated communities where it is not feasible to have a permanent facility with top-quality sound and lighting,” Mr Dahlsen said.

“The mobile stage can go where it’s needed, when it’s needed. As well as being used at existing events, this infrastructure provides scope for people to develop new events that previously weren’t possible due to the lack of a suitable facility and equipment.

“I thank council for supporting this concept, and I look forward to the community benefitting from the mobile stage for many years to come.”

Enquiries about the future arrangements of mobile stage hire can be directed to Entertainment Gippsland.

Band playing on a mobile stage

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