The number of Christmas carol events in the City of Casey may be capped.By Callan Date
CHRISTMAS carols in Casey may be capped, to ensure each event continues to be safe and well organised.
Casey councillor Kevin Bradford wants council money to go into a selected group of events.
Local residents had the option of attending 12 different Christmas carol events last year, with Casey contributing almost $25,000 towards the celebrations.
Pearcedale, Warneet and Tooradin all held Christmas carols. Narre Warren, Narre Warren North and Narre Warren South also had events, along with Cranbourne and Cranbourne North.
Events were also held in other suburbs in Casey.
Cr Bradford said he was concerned too many events were being held across the municipality.
“There are numerous minor events that aren’t properly funded,” he said.
“There is a lot of effort and responsibility that goes into ensuring the safety and management of the night goes well.”
A council report stated there were pros and cons to the idea of capping carols in the area.
“Council currently do not have the authority to stop and/or place limitations on the number of community groups conducting community Christmas carols throughout the municipality,” the report noted.
“(There is) potential to reduce the amount of council funding currently being allocated to Christmas carols and Christmas events and activities with these funds then available to support other community events, increasing diversity and spread of timing.”
But several disadvantages, including travel and access issues for residents, were also noted.
“If the number of Christmas carols was limited, some residents may become disgruntled that the event they have been attending for a number of years was no longer conducted.
“Some of the carols in Casey have been running for over 20 years within the same location, so deciding to limit the number or type of Christmas events would be contentious.”
More information will be presented to councillors next month, before a final decision is made.
