The beloved Esoteric Festival will go ahead this year following the Buloke Shire Council's resounding vote to approve its permit. This decision has brought relief not just to the organizers but to the community of Donald, who annually welcomes thousands of music fans to their small town.
After much deliberation, the council voted unanimously to grant the permit, but with nearly 50 stringent conditions aimed at addressing environmental, health, fire, and traffic concerns. Organizers now have just two days to comply with these requirements, ensuring safety protocols are firmly established before the festivities commence.
The festival's future had been hanging by a thread, as discussions within the council leaned heavily toward cancellation. This stemmed from health issues linked to last year’s event, during which approximately 250 attendees reported gastroenteritis symptoms linked to a shigella outbreak. Following this predicament, the council's staff had recommended canceling this year’s festival entirely. Yet, the overwhelming community support shifted the tide.
More than 2,400 supporters tuned in to live-stream the council meeting where the vote was held, many more gathered to witness the decision, and upon approval, rousing applause erupted within the room. The overwhelming turnout and support stemmed from the community's desire to host the festival again, which not only celebrates music and culture but also significantly boosts the local economy.
Remarkably, over 11,000 signatures were collected on an unofficial petition advocating for the festival’s continuance. Buloke Shire’s Mayor, Cr Alan Getley, received more than 300 personal messages—calls, texts, and emails—pleading for the event’s approval, showcasing the deep-rooted connection this festival holds within the community.
"We're happy to be able to be part of this decision to approve," Councillor Graeme Milne expressed during the meeting. His colleague, Cr Bruce Stafford, emphasized the festival's positive contribution, stating, "The Esoteric Festival has historically delivered both economic and social benefits," underlining the collective value seen by local leaders.
Sam Goldsmith, the festival organizer, expressed gratitude for the council’s support and reiterated the festival team’s commitment to safety for attendees. Goldsmith noted, "Ensuring festival goers are safe is our number one priority, and we have demonstrated for the best part of a decade our competency as a safe, compliant, and well-run festival." With the necessary planning approval secured, preparations are now underway to welcome visitors starting this Thursday when the gates open.
Goldsmith also mentioned ticket sales nearing sell-out status, signaling strong public interest and confidence in the event. He remarked, "The local community, who faced a nervous wait on this, can now go about their plans to prepare for the influx of tourists from all over the world.”
The economic impact of the Esoteric Festival is significant, with organizers claiming the event injects over $15 million annually to the regional economy. This not only supports local businesses but also bolsters tourism, making it the largest gathering within the Wimmera Horsham region.
Though the festival is now approved to proceed, organizers are aware of the remaining hurdle. They must obtain the Place of Public Entertainment Permit from the municipal building surveyor. This step is contingent on timely approval, and the festival organizers are optimistic. They stated, "We continue to work closely with Buloke Shire Council and the relevant authorities on making this a sustainable event for future years." The mood is now one of optimism and excitement as the countdown to the festival begins.