The two-week Canberra event injected nearly $1.8 million into the local economy, with the number of attendees – over 24,000 – was 20 per cent higher than in 2022.
“It was magical to see children, their parents and carers delight in the snow play and hurl down the toboggan slide with beaming smiles,” said City Renewal Authority branch manager, place experience, Jennifer Ramsay.
“We were also thrilled to see Canberrans embrace our evening dance parties, ice-skate under the sky, and roast more than 20,000 marshmallows across the two weeks.
“Our post-event estimates show that Winter in the City resulted in about an additional $1.8 million spent in cafes, restaurants, retail shops and transport over the two weeks.”
Meanwhile the Western Australian state government has promised three more years of funding to CinefestOZ Film Festival, to guarantee the event for three more years.
The festival takes place in WA’s South West, most famous as home of the Margaret River wine region.
The latest funding announcement ensures state government support for the event until 2025. CinefestOZ enjoys support from several other sponsors, including the federal government through Screen Australia, various local governments and Rio Tinto.
The 2023 event which runs through the end of August and the start of November is expected to attract thousands of attendees.
“Today’s announcement means this popular film festival will continue to shine a light on the WA film industry and our state’s South West region, with local productions playing an important role in promoting WA’s incredible landscapes to audiences far and wide,” said WA’s tourism minister Rita Saffioti.
Acting regional development minister Tony Buti highlighted the positive impacts for the destination which has hosted the event for the last 16 years.
“Regional events such as CinefestOZ showcase the talent, skills and culture of WA’s regional areas while encouraging community engagement and boosting local economies,” said Buti.
