Renmark Paringa Council reaffirms commitment to Riverland Rose and Garden Festival

Renmark Paringa Council has reaffirmed its strong and ongoing commitment to the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival, recognising the significant cultural, social and economic value the event delivers to the Renmark Paringa district and the wider Riverland region.

Renmark Paringa Mayor Peter Hunter said Council has proudly supported the festival since its inception more than three decades ago.

“The value that the festival brings to the Renmark Paringa district, and the entire Riverland, is undeniable,” Mayor Hunter said.
“Council has proudly supported the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival since its inception 31 years ago, and that commitment remains.”

Mayor Hunter also acknowledged the increasing challenges faced by volunteer-run community events, including the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival.

“Council recognises the ongoing struggle for the festival committee to attract and retain volunteers, which is a challenge being experienced by many community events across the region,” he said.
“The dedication of the committee and volunteers who continue to deliver this event year after year is something Council genuinely values.”

Mayor Hunter noted that while one specific funding stream previously accessed by the festival is currently on pause due to broader budget constraints, Council remains open to working constructively with the festival committee.

“While the specific funding stream that the Rose Festival has accessed in the past is on pause due to budget constraints, it is not to say Council is not open to working with the festival committee to explore ways to ensure the event continues,” he said.
“Council has already awarded in-kind support for this year’s festival and remains willing to engage in discussions about future opportunities.”

Since 2010, Renmark Paringa Council has contributed almost $100,000 in direct cash support to the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival, in addition to approximately $60,000 in in-kind support.

In-kind support provided by Council includes the waiving of fees and charges such as building hire, cleaning fees and electricity usage, the installation and removal of street banners, advertising and promotion of the festival, and the provision of outdoor staff, plant and equipment.

Council also times its outdoor gardening and maintenance schedules to ensure the township of Renmark presents at its best during the festival period each year.

Renmark Paringa Council maintains more than 3,500 rose bushes across garden beds throughout Renmark and Paringa, with an annual expenditure exceeding $100,000 for the maintenance, watering and upkeep of rose beds and adjoining lawns. The majority of these gardens are irrigated using recycled water.

Mayor Hunter said Council consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors and residents on the presentation of the town during the festival.

“Each year, Council receives extremely positive feedback about how Renmark looks during the Rose and Garden Festival, and that presentation is another important way Council supports the event,” he said.
“It is also a great reason for us to continue striving to present such a wonderful area for both visitors and locals, not just during festival time but year-round.”

Renmark Paringa Council looks forward to continuing conversations with the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival committee to support the longevity and success of this iconic community event.