WHY won't Dubbo City Council fund the employment of a cultural development officer?
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That's the question Mayor Mathew Dickerson will face when he attends the Dubbo Cultural Forum first birthday celebrations on Tuesday.
The forum was established 12 months ago at the behest of council to generate ideas to form a springboard for the cultural fabric of Dubbo.
"Dubbo Artz was asked to organise a gathering to look at infrastructure and talk about current and future needs and networks," president Di Clifford told the Daily Liberal.
The vision was for meetings on a quarterly basis to discuss marketing of facilities and services and co-operative and complimentary activities.
"Twelve months, on the forum holds a special place in the cultural calendar," Ms Clifford said."
"Many local cultural devotees are now convinced that Dubbo needs a cultural development officer.
"A good number of regional centres, including Gilgandra, have one. We wrote to council asking for a position to be funded.
"Disappointingly, the answer was no. Dubbo Cultural Forum believes that decision needs to be re-thought.
"If funds are not available perhaps a cultural officer could be secured through the restructure of existing council staff."
Ms Clifford envisages a cultural officer providing support and guidance for groups and events and practical advice on grant applications.
"Interesting new inter-group partnerships and the development of a cultural plan with an overview to suit the Dubbo community around peak events could all be possible," she said
"We urge individuals and groups to become involved in the drive to achieve the employment of a cultural development officer.
"Interested people are most welcome to attend the Dubbo Cultural Forum event at Western Plains Cultural Centre at 6.15pm on Tuesday.
"We will be celebrating one year of community collaboration. Networking will start at 5.45pm."
Ms Clifford is disappointed council decided to run its annual volunteers Christmas party at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre at 6pm on Tuesday.
"It will be possible to attend both events," she said.
"The cultural forum meeting will only run for about one hour and council has agreed to delay the start of the festive meal for volunteers."
Further information about Dubbo Cultural Forum can be obtained at www.dubboartz.org.au.