On Tuesday night, councillors sympathised with the committee, who lost a number of sponsors and experienced increased costs this year.

“I think it’s money well spent and congratulations to the committee,” Cr Joanna Gash said.

Cr Annette Alldrick said council needs to take steps to prevent the festival from becoming a recurring cost.

“I’d just like some assurances about how we’re going to manage this in the future,” she said.

“I think it’s great it’s free and accessible for families who often can’t go to other events, I’m just wondering if there will be a review so we can be more certain about the budget in future.”

Council’s Corporate and Community Services director Craig Milburn said there has been a review.

“We will be working a lot more closely with the committee going forward,” he said.

For: Mayor Amanda Findley, Crs Joanna Gash, John Wells, Patricia White, Nina Cheyne, Kaye Gartner, Annette Alldrick, John Levett, Mitchell Pakes, Bob Proudfoot, Greg Watson

Against: Cr Mark Kitchener

Absent: Cr Andrew Guile