By Casey Neill
Dandenong’s Carols by Candlelight event has received a reprieve.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti announced that the council would run the event in Harmony Square, at the Monday 9 October council meeting.
This followed the Journal revealing that the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce had formally advised the council that it would not be hosting the event this year, after running it for 69 years.
Cr Memeti said Monday was the first chance the council had to discuss the issue.
“The Carols by Candlelight will continue,” he said.
“It will be held at Harmony Square.”
He said more details would follow.
Chamber president Paul Broom said the chamber would lose money to stage the event.
“When we looked at the cost of infrastructure to stage it, and the income we were going to get in support, it was not realistic for the chamber to lose on staging it,” he said.
The chamber had used Harmony Square for the past two years, but received low community support and lower attendance than expected.
It was looking to return to the event’s original Dandenong Park location but the sound shell was demolished last year.
Mr Broom said a temporary stage would need to be built, generators brought in and toilets provided.
Despite the council offering a grant and sponsors also contributing funds, he said the costs were overwhelming.
The Journal was inundated with community feedback on the decision, unanimously expressing disappointment.
On the Journal Facebook page, Gaye Guest said the refurbished Springvale Town Hall would be a perfect location.
Lauren Allisha said there were plenty of places in Springvale, including the town hall and Burden Park.
“Not everything needs to be Dandenong-centric,” she said.
Vicki Collier said the decision was an absolute disgrace.
“This event was always a delight to attend. Another great family event scrapped,” she said.
Adam Murray suggested the new Tatterson Park pavilion as an alternative location.
“It would be a great way to open the new home of soccer,” he said.
The Journal will provide further details on the event as they emerge.
