COMMUNITY groups have cautiously welcomed the news that the name `Orange Blossom Festival' will be retained, but have questioned what impact the re-branding of it and other annual events under the HillsFest banner may have on funding.
The long-standing organiser of the associated Crestwood Fair, John Ebbott, said he was ``pleased'' but with reservations.
``Am I pleased? Yes, but with reservations because I am more concerned what the council is going to do with money [for events],'' Mr Ebbott said.
The confirmation that the Orange Blossom Festival name will stay follows concerns expressed earlier this month by local Federal MP for Mitchell, Alex Hawke, who described it as ``iconic and part and parcel of where we come from'' and ``an ongoing link with our agricultural history''.
But at that time, Cr Dimbrowsky disagreed: ``It's not about throwing out the past, just starting a new future,'' he said. But last week Cr Dimbrowsky indicated a change of heart, saying the Orange Blossom Festival was ``here to stay''.
``There was a suggestion it might be phased out but the community made it clear that it was an important link to the agricultural history of the Hills,'' Cr Dimbrowsky said.
The 2010 Orange Blossom Festival will run from Friday, September 10 to Sunday, September 19 and includes a range of events from a bonsai exhibition, pet expos, a fun run, billycart derby and classic car display to arts and crafts, music, seniors dancing and bowls.