Grazing Down the Lachlan (GDTL) will return to the banks of the Lachlan River in Forbes on Saturday, September 18, 2021, and so too will Evolution Mining who is back on board as the event’s major sponsor.
Following the event’s sell-out success in its first three years, GDTL and Evolution Mining have chosen to extend their partnership to 2025.
The new five-year sponsorship agreement is valued at $150,000.
The general manager of Evolution Mining’s Cowal Gold Operation, John Penhall said the mine was proud to secure its partnership with the award-winning event.
“The mine has stood alongside the Forbes Arts Society since Grazing Down the Lachlan was launched,” Mr Penhall said.
“Since then we have had the pleasure of watching it grow year-on-year and I’m proud to say we will be continuing our partnership for the next five years as the major sponsor of the event.
“Not only is Grazing a fantastic tourism driver, it also creates opportunities for visitors and locals to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region as they sample local produce and take in the tranquility and natural beauty of the Lachlan River.”
Chair of the Grazing Down the Lachlan committee, Wendy Muffet said, “This is our dream partnership. Based on the bedrock of shared values, it enables us to leave a legacy as one of the funding streams for the extraordinary Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail and related projects.
“This ongoing partnership agreement not only supports and strengthens the longevity and sustainability of our foodie adventure, but also provides a level of assurance as the committee navigates the uncharted territory of planning and delivering an event in a Covid safe way.”
In 2019, the GDTL committee decided to take a 12-month break to refresh the event - a decision which has been deemed a sheer stroke of luck in light of Covid-19.
“We used our one-year hiatus to review Grazing’s existing format and explore new and different opportunities and ideas,” Wendy said.
“Next year’s event has been developed in conjunction with a robust Covid-19 Safe Plan, and we are so looking forward to announcing the 2021 program early next year.
“The health and safety of our community and visitors is first priority. As such, we will continue to monitor the latest public health orders and be guided by the advice of the NSW Government’s Major Events Taskforce.”
Proceeds of GDTL support the Forbes Arts Society in the delivery of purposeful art and cultural initiatives and infrastructure. Funds raised through GDTL to-date have facilitated the commissioning of 20 new sculptures to extend the Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail, the redevelopment of Gum Swamp reserve and the construction of a new Cultural and Arts Centre.
In 2019, GDTL donated $88,000 to the Forbes Arts Society. Additionally, the annual foodie adventure injected over $400,000 into the local economy.
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