Output 3.4 Events
Overview
The directorate, through Events ACT, seeks to manage, support and attract events that are aligned to Canberra’s brand, that deliver strong economic outcomes and that make a valuable contribution to city vibrancy, social cohesion and community pride.
Highlights
In 2017-18 the directorate delivered the following key events:
- Floriade;
- Enlighten;
- Canberra Nara Candle Festival;
- New Year’s Eve;
- Australia Day;
- Canberra Day; and
- Reconciliation Day.
Economic activity generated as a result of staging Floriade
In 2017 Floriade generated a total attendance of 434,414 over 30 days, an increase of 10.2% on the previous year’s attendance figure (394,046). The 2017 event attracted 87,553 unique interstate and international visitors that came to Canberra specifically to attend Floriade or extended their stay due to the event. These visitors generated a total of 157,493 visitor nights in the ACT. Floriade generated a $37.4 million economic impact for the ACT.
Economic activity generated as a result of the Enlighten Festival
In 2018 the Enlighten Festival generated a total attendance of 319,622, across the event’s 17 days (includes multiple visits), an increase of 11.9% on the previous year’s attendance figure (285,714). The 2018 event attracted 10,789 unique interstate and international visitors that came to Canberra specifically to attend the Enlighten Festival or extended their stay due to the event. These visitors generated a total of 29,277 visitor nights in the ACT. The Enlighten Festival generated a $4.4 million economic impact for the ACT.
Strong ongoing attendance levels and positive feedback
The strong ongoing attendance levels and positive feedback received by the directorate, across the following portfolio of important community events, points to high levels of community awareness, support and satisfaction:
- the Canberra Nara Candle Festival attracted more than 15,000 people to Canberra Nara Peace Park on Saturday 28 October;
- New Year’s Eve celebrations on Sunday 31 December featured two fireworks displays over City Hill, a family concert in Civic Square and the Bass in the Place dance party in Garema Place, and generated a combined attendance of 35,000;
- Canberra’s Australia Day celebrations, which included the Fireworks Spectacular, attracted 55,000 people to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin on Friday 26 January; and
- Canberra Day celebrations on Monday 12 March were attended by 15,000 people at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park.
Satisfaction with the management of Events grants in the ACT
A satisfaction survey was completed to measure the standard of service and assistance to event organisers through the delivery of the grants management process for the ACT Event Fund. In 2017, a satisfaction figure 91.4% was achieved, which exceeded the target of 80%.
The directorate met three out of four of its accountability indicators against this output.
The indicator not met was:
- Economic activity generated as a result of staging Floriade - The primary reason behind the statistical variance between Floriade’s 2016 and 2017 economic impact relates to the use of a new event evaluation supplier in 2017 with a change in methodology, including an increase in the sample size of attendees interviewed.
Future Direction
In 2018-19 the directorate will:
- continue to deliver and develop a high quality suite of tourism and community events that provide strong economic, social and cultural benefits for the ACT. This includes the ongoing development and enhancement of Floriade and Enlighten as key anchor events on Canberra’s annual calendar;
- continue to support the ACT’s events and festivals sector through delivery of the ACT Event Fund and through the facilitation of development workshops that support capacity building and upskilling opportunities for local event organisers and key community groups;
- continue to plan for the successful delivery of ICC World Twenty20 (WT20) women’s cricket matches in Canberra in February-March 2020, in close consultation with the organising committee, key government stakeholders and key sporting/community groups;
- in consultation with key stakeholders, build on the success of the inaugural Reconciliation Day public event ahead of the ACT’s next Reconciliation Day public holiday in May 2019; and
- develop a new festival to be delivered in Winter 2020, focussing on promoting Canberra’s strengths in innovation, design, culture, coding and gaming.
Further information can be obtained from
Kareena Arthy
Deputy Director-General
Economic Development
+ 61 2 6207 5564
Kareena.Arthy@act.gov.au
Jo Verden
A/g Director
Events ACT
+ 61 2 6205 0554
Jo.Verden@act.gov.au