People power brings back Murray Bridge’s NYE fireworks
More than 1000 petitioners have convinced the city’s council to host a New Year’s Eve celebration in 2024 – so long as local businesses get behind it.
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Murray Bridge will again get fireworks on New Year’s Eve after petitioners convinced the city’s council to bring back the event.
More than 1000 people signed a petition calling on the council to host a December 31 celebration for the first time in three years.
The 2022 event was postponed due to the River Murray floods and became the River Murray Glows festival; the council then cancelled NYE in 2023 for budgetary and other reasons.
That was not good enough, petition organiser Barb Toogood said.
“The discontinuation of this event has left a void in our community celebrations and negatively impacted tourism,” she said on the petition.
“The fireworks display was more than just an event; it was a symbol of unity and celebration that brought together locals and visitors alike.
“We urge authorities to consider reinstating this tradition.”
On Tuesday night, councillors agreed to do so, approving a budget of $15,000 for this year’s event.
However, another $35,000 worth of sponsorship will need to be found by September 1 if the fireworks show is to go ahead.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt about the general support for a New Year’s Eve event,” Councillor Airlie Keen said at Tuesday night’s meeting.
“The question has always been how to fund it.
“It’s right that council takes the lead on the event, but … it’s not our role to be the sole funder.”
Mayor Wayne Thorley said he was “very confident” that a major sponsor could be found.
However, Cr Fred Toogood described it as odd that the council planned to spend so little on New Year’s Eve when it had budgeted $55,000 for a Winter Glows festival in August.
That event – a reprise of last year’s River Murray Glows – would this year feature bonfires, fire performers and horse-and-carriage rides.
The council plans to seek $10,000 worth of sponsorship for it.
Other major events approved for 2024-25 were:
- $5000 for a quiz night at Murray Bridge’s town hall, celebrating the centenary of the Murray Cods
- $5000 for a Jervois comedy event in July or August, featuring Kevin Kropinyeri as the headline act
- $45,000 for a Tour Down Under stage finish in January, should Murray Bridge be included in the 2025 event
- $30,000 for the 2025 Murray Bridge Fringe in March
Staff advised that the chosen events would offer the best bang for ratepayers’ bucks.
