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The iconic Pakenham Carols by Candlelght event faces an uncertain future. (File: 311518)
Doubt on Carols Pakenham’s beloved Christmas Carols have been given a lifeline, but the future of the event remains uncertain after Cardinia Shire Council voted to run it one final time this year. Mayor Jack Kowarzik moved a motion for the council to lead and deliver the 2025 Pakenham Carols event, working alongside community
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“When you combine that with the inevitable loss of community group revenue on the day and potentially change the nature of how the event runs and who’s involved, it becomes too big a risk.” At the 21 July meeting, Cr Kowarzik urged the council to step in and manage the festivities to ensure the tradition continues. Continued page 2. 51 James Street Pakenham VIC 3810 renee.heath@ parliament.vic.gov.au reneeheathmp
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any community groups willing to take over the event. The only submission came from a commercial operator, raising concerns the event might lose its community character. “If this notice of motion is lost, then it will go to the commercial group to run, and it will have potentially a very different nature in how it runs,” Cr Kowarzik said.
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groups and using the same $40,000 budget as the 2024 event, plus officers’ time. The motion also called for the council to support community groups to take over future Pakenham Carols, with budgets adjusted annually for inflation. The motion was prompted by a recent Expression of Interest (EOI) process that failed to attract
Renee’s message to Pakenham residents
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Renee HEATH MP
MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA
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By Afraa Kori