Audit to examine poor concert sales

GREATER Dandenong’s CEO has called for a full audit of the mayoral charity concert in the wake of a poor ticket sales dispute.
Star revealed last week that Dandenong mayor Peter Brown was dissatisfied with the event selling just over 300 tickets to the 500-person capacity Drum Theatre in Dandenong.
Cornerstone and Wellsprings for Women were the beneficiaries of the charity concert, but the donations headed their way have been overshadowed by a verbal tosh between Cr Brown and concert organiser Maree Arthur after the mayor criticised high ticket prices for the less-than-expected turnout.
Cr Brown this week confirmed Greater Dandenong CEO Bryan Payne had called for an audit into the concert, including Ms Arthur’s part in selling 267 of the concert’s tickets.
“That report will go to a council meeting as soon as possible,” Cr Brown said.
“Mr Payne asked Ms Arthur to account for funds, responses and ticket sales in respect of the 267 tickets she was given.”
It is believed a rift between Cr Brown and Ms Arthur began when he earlier this year booked Cam Butler and the Shadows of Love Orchestra to play at the charity concert.
Cr Brown said the council would cover the cost, but Ms Arthur refused because the band would impinge on other performers’ stage time.
Cr Brown said he agreed but then stopped his involvement with the concert and left it to Ms Arthur and council staff to organise.
Meanwhile, he said the council was organising to have the Cam Butler band play in a free public concert at the Drum Theatre as early as the end of September.