COALITION PROMISES FUTURE FOR ROCK EISTEDDFOD

11th February 2010

Following the Brumby Labor Government's refusal to commit funding to enable the Rock Eisteddfod to continue, the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition has committed $800,000 over four years to ensure that the Eisteddfod continues and they have challenged the Brumby Labor Government to match the commitment.

Local MP Nick Wakeling today stated that the Rock Eisteddfod was very important to students in the electorate and that it was imperative that an appropriate level of funding was allocated.

"Schools throughout the electorate compete in the Rock Eisteddfod and have great success. For example Fairhills High School has won first place in the Premier division three times and placed second three times over the last six years. It has become an integral part of the school community," Mr Wakeling said.

"For many students it is the highlight of their year and can lead to them forging careers in the entertainment industry.

"The opportunity to be a part of such a spectacular competition and work so hard on a performance is something that students really value, and it is unthinkable that the Government is trying to remove this.

"The Brumby Labor Government has gradually stripped funding from the Rock Eisteddfod, leaving it unable to continue.

"It's disgraceful that the Government will spend $20million dollars on fairy lights on the west gate bridge and $3million a week on political advertising, but can't find $200,000 to ensure the future of the rock eisteddfod.

"I've already had phone calls from concerned parents and they are just plain angry and they have every right to be.

"This disgraceful decision highlights just how out of touch with Victorians the Brumby Labor Government is," Mr Wakeling said.

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