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Rock Eisteddfod Challenge |
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DON’T LET PREMIER BRUMBY PULL THE FINAL CURTAIN ON ROCK EISTEDDFOD: PEULICH The State Government’s refusal to secure the future of the popular and successful Rock Eisteddfod Challenge has hit a flat note in the Frankston and Victorian Arts and School Communities.
Inga Peulich, State Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Communities said a Coalition Government would give $800,000 over the next four years to the music, dance and drama spectacular.
“The announcement that the Victorian Coalition has committed to providing $800,000 over the next four years to the Victorian Rock Eisteddfod is applauded and should be music to the ears of our Frankston Arts community and local schools,” Ms Peulich said.
“Stars like Vanessa Amorosi have risen to fame and stardom through the showcasing of young talent made possible through the Victorian Rock Eisteddfod Challenge.”
Ms Peulich said event organisers have been forced to call curtains on the popular event after the Brumby Government slashed funding leaving many students, parents, teachers and schools in limbo.
“Hundreds of young Victorians and local Frankston students are going to miss out on this year’s Rock Eisteddfod because the Brumby Government won’t come to the party,” Ms Peulich said.
“In 2004 the event was receiving $136,000 from the Victorian Government. This year the Brumby Government is contributing about $102,000. Not only has John Brumby slashed the funding for the event, he has also refused to adjust its contribution for CPI,” Ms Peulich said.
“The government has also double dipped their take from the Challenge, raising its fees for the use of Hisense Arena.”
“Failing to support the Rock Eisteddfod and the opportunities this provides to Frankston students and schools is a strong contrast to how willing John Brumby is to fund $20 million worth of fairy lights on the West Gate Bridge,” Ms Peulich said.
Ms Peulich said that the Government and Government MPs have become out of touch and arrogant.
Competition dates have been set for the year and some local Frankston schools have already put in many hours of work to prepare for the competition.
Previous winners and entrants of the Victorian Rock Eisteddfod include Frankston Primary School and Monterey Secondary College.
Ms Peulich challenged the Brumby Government and local Labor MPs to match the Victorian Coalition commitment to the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge.
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