Shoalhaven City Council passed a general motion on Tuesday, March 13 in support of a united bid to bring this year’s Triple J One Night Stand to the Shoalhaven.
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Following a number of requests for council to support bids across the region mayor Amanda Findley recently held a meeting of interested community members from the northern, southern and central Shoalhaven to discuss a strategy for a united festival bid.
“Unless we are united any bid will fail,” she said.
Cr Findley said it was the consensus of the combined group to put forward Milton Showground for the tender.
“We talked through the different venues,” she said.
“There’s Frances Ryan Reserve at Sanctuary Point, but it’s too congested and there’s not enough parking for 10,000-15,000 people to enjoy the event.
“In the northern Shoalhaven there’s the Nowra Showground, but it’s had Red Hot Summer and Berry has Fairgrounds.
“Milton hasn't had a big gig since 1999. We’ve had Kidgeeridge, but this is a national event where people travel from all over Australia to go and chalk it up in their, ‘I've been to every single One Night Stand,’ diary.”
Cr Findley said Milton Showground meets the location requirements stipulated by the event’s organisers including parking, venue capacity and indoor cover option.
“I've been in touch with the bus companies and local politicians who will send through their letters of support for the bid,” she said.
“We’re still in discussion with the show committee to make sure they know what it's all about.
“At least if we can show this level of support in our application it'll put us on the shortlist, but even better we'll be the winner.”
The Triple J One Night Stand is a free music event held each year in rural or regional Australia.
Over the past 15 years, the One Night Stand has taken Australian live music acts to regional parts of the country and put on a full-scale, all-ages concert.
“It would bring obviously an economic boost to the area,” she said.
“People won't just be travelling in and out on the day. It'll bring a lift to our young people who often feel forgotten and it'll put us on the map as a great venue for future festival opportunities.
“Most importantly the gold coin donation on the door will go to a local youth organisation, yet to be decided, that's doing great work with our young people. There are a number of local youth organizations that would qualify for this.”
Applications to host the One Night Stand must be lodged by the end of March.
So far the One Night Stand has been held in: Mount Isa QLD (2017), Geraldton WA (2016), Mildura VIC (2014), Dubbo NSW (2013), Dalby QLD (2012), Tumby Bay SA (2011), Alice Springs NT (2010), Sale VIC (2009), Collie WA (2008), Cowra NSW (2007), Port Pirie SA (2006), Ayr QLD (2005) and Natimuk VIC (2004).
