Moyne Shire Council provides $15,000 to save Port Fairy New Year fireworks

Moyneyana Festival organisers had all but ruled out the fireworks display, citing a lack of funds, with festival president Neil Hedger telling The Standard in November the committee had "no hope in the world" of getting the money.

Aside from the main event at midnight, the money will also fund a "family-friendly display" earlier in the evening. The festival will also be running the traditional parade, food stalls and live music.

Moyneyana organisers found themselves short of cash after the cancellation of the 2021 Port Fairy Folk Festival cut off one of its key revenue streams.

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Moyne Shire mayor Ian Smith said he had been working closely with the organisers to work out a solution.

"Council is pleased to have been able to provide this funding to the hardworking volunteer festival committee to make sure the midnight fireworks could go ahead and we are excited that they are adding the second family friendly display.

"It's been a tough year with lengthy lockdowns and restrictions on us all. It will be great to see the annual Moyneyanna celebrations returning to normal this year and to welcome in 2022 with two spectacular fireworks displays," he said.

The $15,000 grant was on top of the council's standard $10,000 festival contribution.

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