AFTER 13 years of organising the New Year’s Eve event in Balranald, Kylie Jolliffe is stepping down.
Ms Jolliffe, a resident of Balranald for about 25 years, cited family reasons and the lack of volunteers for resigning from the position.
The organiser said she was also disheartened to see less attendees at this year’s event.
“There was hardly anyone here this year, I don’t know why,” she told The Guardian.
“Normally they come over towards the end to watch the fireworks, but we didn’t really get that.”
She said residents rang in the new year with a giant slide and jumping castle for the children.
“They were well-used with the people that were there,” she said.
Ms Jolliffe said with a lack of volunteers, tickets were purchased for both rides where drinks were sold and the music was played through an iPod.
“We made do with what we had and what we did have, we did well,” Ms Jolliffe said.
“I had some great helpers, the ones I had were fantastic.
“Things change and people’s lives change so I’ll hand over organising the event to someone else.”
Ms Jolliffe said if no-one was willing to take on the event, she hoped Balranald Shire Council would.
The event organiser has struggled to find people volunteers for the event for the past two years.
Ms Jolliffe said she introduced the community event in Balranald 13 years ago, with no fireworks displayed in the first year.
“It was a happy get together at the footy sheds,” she said.
Another year, the event was organised in correlation with the town of Bendigo.
And, the past 11 years the fireworks have been provided by Anthony Slattery Fireworks.
Ms Jolliffe said whoever was willing to organise the event would need to fundraise throughout the year “to make the night run smoothly”.
She said she was happy to assist with fundraising throughout the year.
“You’ve got to at least have the fireworks,” she said.
“If there’s money left in the bank, I said to a few people if the money’s there in 12 months we’ll donate the money back.
“It was community money, it was raised by community people, so it will go back to the community.”
Ms Jolliffe said her favourite part about organising the event was the community spirit.
“Everyone coming together to welcome in the new year,” she said.
“The fireworks have been a really big event and that’s what brings people in.
“It’s a great community, so why not celebrate it all together and it’s welcome to anyone visiting.”
Balranald Shire Council general manager Michael Kitzelmann said council assisted the event with permits for fireworks, mowing the racecourse at Greenham Park to reduce the risk of fire from the fireworks and donated money for the fireworks.
“Council has proudly been supporting the New Year’s Eve event for many years through the donation of facilities, staff time and a substantial monetary contribution towards the costs of fireworks,” he said.
“Feedback from the community has clearly demonstrated that they value this event and that it is looked forward to for many months in advance.”
Mr Kitzelmann said council had not been approached to take over the event.
“However, should this occur, we will work closely with community to ensure that the best possible management outcome is achieved for future years,” he said.
Mayor Alan Purtill thanked the committee for their efforts over the years.
“Kylie and her team have been devoted on behalf of the community, and we wish to express our gratitude for their efforts.”
