Fireworks rocketing off Lake Albert pontoons look likely for New Years Eve with Thomas Bros Group launching a bid to save the event.
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The local dealership submitted the only expression of interest for the celebrations after Commitee 4 Wagga (C4W) backed out in June, to be considered at tonight’s council meeting.
Thomas Bros Group manager Colin McGill said when they heard it might not go ahead, they had to step in.
“Without the fireworks at the garden there’d be nothing on,” he said.
“We want it to be a massive event and don’t want to limit the numbers. Having it at the lake provides that opportunity.”
The submission details one fireworks display from 9.30 to 9.45 on Lake Albert, with a focus on a “family-oriented” event.
But Mr McGill said the committee hadn’t ruled out a 12pm display.
Mayor Greg Conkey said ending the event early would give people “flexibility.”
“It will be a bonus for other venues, it gives people the flexibility to go out and continue their celebrations elsewhere,” Cr Conkey said.
Council earmarked $45,604 to support the running of the night.
Judy Galloway from C4W said the night costs “significantly more” than that to run and they had someone working “almost full time for a year” to organise it.
“It’s fantastic they’ve picked it up and will carry it forward, they’ve got a lot of work to do,” she said.
Mr McGill is sure they can pull it off.
“We’d just hate for the event not to happen,” he said.
“We have some very talented people and an existing fundraising committee who are more than capable.”
Thomas Bros Group have a track record of hosting large scale community events, with their annual Night of Knights charity ball now in its third year.
The submission details proceeds of the event may be donated to a local charity.
Mr McGill said he hoped Wagga City Council would consider supporting the event annually.