By Callum Ludwig
The Wandin Silvan Field Days event made a long-awaited return despite adverse weather in 2022 and is set to receive a boost to help deliver the event this year.
Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino was able to announce a $20,000 grant through the Victorian Government’s Small and Medium Events Program.
President of the Wandin Silvan Field Days Committee Brad Finger said funding to assist in their endeavours will ease the workload and allow them to expand their outcomes, for which they are very grateful.
“The extra funding from this Grant will assist with the upgrading of promotional signage, with advertising and printing costs, and improve our social media expertise which will be of immense benefit to our organisation,” he said.
“The increased expenses of overall operational costs of such as insurance, traffic management, security and general maintenance will be greatly assisted by this very welcomed grant funding.”
Wandin Silvan Field Days will be held on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 October this year at the Wandin East Recreation Reserve.
Mr Finger said in resuming the event following the enforced lockdown period, the 2022 event withstood the impact of significant rainfall immediately prior and during the field days but with a considerable impact – both financially and attendee-wise.
“The longevity of the Wandin Silvan Field Days is evidence of the popularity and importance of this local community event,” he said.
“There are few other events with a specific Horticultural focus in Victoria, and the Wandin Silvan Field Days commonly attracts patrons not only from the local area but those further afield across both regional Victoria and interstate.”
Barring the Covid-stricken 2020 and 2021 years, Wandin Silvan Field Days has been held annually since 1969 with some committee members involved since the very first event.
“Wandin Silvan Field Days will not only generate more jobs for the Dandenong Ranges, but it will also deliver many benefits right across Greater Melbourne,” said Ms De Martino.
“The funding is a huge win for our beautiful region– this event will attract more visitors to the area, which is fantastic news for local businesses.”
