Eisteddfod buoys economy
By Isaac McCallum
THE GREAT Southern Star Eisteddfod has been hailed a success by dancers, organisers and the audience.
It was standing room only for the show’s Friday night event, as more than 300 people crowded into Mesley Hall at Leongatha Secondary College.
The inaugural event lured competitors from across Gippsland and Melbourne, and boosted the economy of Leongatha and surrounds as visitors booked accommodation and dined out. Key organiser Tanya Bolam was overwhelmed by the level of support.
“It was just fantastic to see such a huge crowd gather on Friday night, and they came through well on the other days too,” she said.
“So many people came up and said they’ll be back next year. They absolutely loved it.”
A year of organisation went into the event, so it is no surprise that such success was sustained.
On Sunday, 50 dancers were treated to a hip hop and jazz workshop with well known dancer and choreographer, Phillip Haddad.
“That was awesome. It was a great way to finish off the event,” Ms Bolam said.
Parents of younger children were pleased with the way the teachers and elder students took care of their children.
“What lovely role models my daughters had that night,” mother Jayne Scott said.
Before her eldest daughters danced, Ms Scott recalled seeing her daughter with a senior dancer going through her routine with her partner.
“She had just one dance and her student teacher had many, but still she had time to spend with my daughter,” she said.
The eisteddfod also proved to be quite successful for businesses, with motels used for accommodation and shops visited by participants and families.
Julie Betts, owner of the Leongatha Motel, was busy with visitors and would love to have them back next year.
“We had quite a few families stay. There were 12 rooms booked out on Friday and Saturday night,” she said.
“It’s quiet this time of year, so anything that brings people into the town is a good thing.”
Shirley Lund, an employee of the Opal Motel said the guests were more than welcome.
“It’s good for the town. I think the people need to be aware and book ahead though,” she said, noting the motel was full.
The town will back the eisteddfod next year, which will be music to the ears of the organisers.
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