The voices of Dubbo’s ratepayers yesterday lent support to calls for the city’s own festival, but they want the public to “step up to the plate”.
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Dubbo Ratepayers and Residents Association (DRRA) president Greg Mohr was all for Dubbo’s own version of the Parkes Elvis Festival which is in full Blue Hawaii swing today.
Dubbo Rural and Suburban Residents and Ratepayers Association (DRSRRA) president Juliet Duffy also favoured a festival for Dubbo, but she said the city should also look at building on its infrastructure and facilities to provide an economic boost.
A Dubbo motelier told the Daily Liberal this week the city should have a Michael Jackson festival and Dubbo residents have provided suggestions of a variety of themes from nudist to bush living.
Dubbo councillor Peter Bartley came forward with his own suggestion - a dance festival, building on the city’s more than 70-year history with the art.
Mr Mohr has followed the discussion during the week and had his thinking cap on for themes.
He wanted to see something that drew on Dubbo’s location in the western area.
A festival that involved the river or transport - cars, trucks and machinery - could be suitable, Mr Mohr said.
He also expressed willingness to be on an organising committee and said a public forum was needed.
“We need to attract more people and put Dubbo on the map,” he said.
Ms Duffy was open to a Dubbo festival, but also suggested other ideas that could benefit the city.
If Dubbo put its infrastructure, for example the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre and its sporting ovals, to best use, it could provide an economic stimulus, she said.
“These are our biggest opportunities, we should start looking at that,” she said.
Parkes was to get an international-standard hockey field and that would draw more people to it, she said.
Although Dubbo had Apex Oval, if other sporting facilities were upgraded, the city could lure more people, she said.
“If we put more money into our other sporting facilities - because we do have the accommodation to back it - it would be a double win,” she said.
Ms Duffy also called for public input.
faye.wheeler@ruralpress.com
