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Despite membership almost doubling since the organisation’s last scare three years ago, the current executive team still awaits new figures to help carry the torch forward. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Planning for the Burdekin Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Street Party is now in full swing, despite concerns the event’s future may be in jeopardy without new executive members stepping forward.
Chamber Vice-President Gary Roser confirmed at Tuesday morning’s Chamber meeting that paperwork for road closures and insurance requirements had already been submitted to facilitate the December event, with funding, money boards, donation collections and ticket preparations also underway.
Despite the groundwork already laid, Mr Roser said the Christmas Street Party’s ultimate fate hinges on the positions of president, treasurer and paid secretary being filled before the organisation’s September AGM.
“We’ve done all the behind-the-scenes work … now, we basically need to just pull the trigger—but we can’t unless we’ve got new members in place to follow through with it,” Mr Roser said.
“If new members don’t step up into executive roles, then the Christmas Party probably won’t go ahead. It can’t continue with the skeleton crew that we have at the moment.”
The Burdekin Chamber has long advocated for the region’s business community, facilitating networking opportunities for local operators through regular member meetings, workshops, and its hallmark Christmas Street Party each year.
The December event has become a major fixture on the Burdekin community calendar, injecting millions of dollars into local businesses over the past two years while providing families with a free night of family-friendly entertainment.
Mr Roser said the potential loss of the event would be felt across the entire community, rather than just among local businesses.
“It’s not so much about the businesses,” he said.
“It’s about the town losing a free community, family-orientated event that we don’t often have.”
Mr Roser confirmed that no substantial interest had been received for any of the vacant roles as of Tuesday, with the organisation unable to continue under its bylaws without the positions being filled.
It found itself in a similar spot three years ago, when a lack of interest in the same three executive roles nearly led to its demise.
Despite membership almost doubling since, the current executive team still awaits new figures to help carry the torch forward.
Mr Roser urges anyone seeking further information on vacant roles to contact either himself on 0408 076 064 or President Seb Aguirre on 0499 197 671.
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