Former mayor Mat Dickerson has raised concerns over Dubbo Regional Council's pricing policy for the recent Dubbo Eisteddfod, saying it has forced the event to be staged at various locations around the city.
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"Well done to the committee and all the volunteers on another great event. A shame that we weren't at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, but the Dubbo Regional Council's pricing policy seems to have pushed the Eisteddfod to various locations around Dubbo," he said on Facebook.
Mayor Ben Shields said the Dubbo Regional Council has a special Eisteddfod rate for hire of the theatre.
"We recognise the importance of the Dubbo Eisteddfod and will continue to support the event. We have put the hire rates up that is true, but by 2.7 per cent inflationary rate - as per usual practice," he said.
"Increasing prices by inflation was also the usual practice of the former Dubbo City Council when Mathew was the mayor as well. I would be more than happy to talk to members of the Eisteddfod Committee, including the former mayor if they have any concerns about fees."
Eisteddfod Society president Barbara Redgrave said the committee is charged approximately 35 per cent of the full venue hire rate.
"We are highly appreciative of and grateful for the relationship we have with the Council," she said.
Dubbo Regional Theatre Manager Linda Christof said the Eisteddfod committee acknowledged they receive a discounted rate and as far as the Dubbo Council was concerned it would continue to offer a subsidised rate to the Eisteddfod moving forward.
"The Eisteddfod has gone through these figures and acknowledged the accuracy and are appreciative of the subsidy," she said.
"The issue is dwindling audience numbers attending the Eisteddfod sessions and the Gala Concert, which results in reduced income for them.
"The only exception is the group dance weekend, which saw more 2000 competitors grace the stage and full house for each session."