Preparations for Winton’s Outback Festival are picking up steam as the event approaches its 25th anniversary in September next year.
Winton Shire Council recently approved $50,000 to keep the popular event up and running until 2021.
Outback Festival coordinator Robyn Stephens said the festival was now looking to wrap-up other crucial sources of funding to meet costs, which were typically above $0.5 million.
“All stops are out at the moment with sponsorships starting to flow in. We are trying to get as many sponsors as we can.”
Mrs Stephens said there were a few special events planned for next year’s festival, although she wouldn’t be letting the cat out of the bag just yet.
The festival, which happens every two years, is known for its gruelling Outback Ironman, Ironwoman and Iron Juniors events and the hilarious Australian Dunny Derby.
The last festival, held in September 2017, attracted as many as 8000 people to the small outback town.
“It's a five day event but we have local events that happen prior to the festival,” Mrs Stephens said.
“The best thing about the event is people come for 10 to 15 days. The amount of money that generates is unbelievable really.
“It's a fairly big event for the town.”