MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Forbes Shire Council rejoins Arts OutWest

Arts OutWest and Forbes Shire Council are pleased to announce they will once again be working together to support the community in arts and cultural development following an amendment to the Draft Management Plan at the June Council Meeting on Thursday June 15.

The decision to rejoin was a result of three submissions from community organisations presented to council during the public consultation period, each supporting membership in Arts OutWest.

General Manager Chris Devitt and Corporate Services Director, Carissa Bywater said at the meeting there was a capacity in the 06/07 budget to fund the annual membership fee.

Congratulating Forbes Arts and Culture Working Group, Forbes Museum and Corinella P and C for putting forward their persuasive submissions, Arts OutWest Executive Officer Hannah Semler said.

“It goes to show that when a community is active in making its voices heard, council can and are responsive.”

Following the recent success of the Pilot Youth Media Project, supported by Arts OutWest and the Federal Regional Arts Fund, which gave local young people in Forbes the chance to record, film and produce their own media projects for a premier community screening at the end of Drug Action Week last Saturday June 24, Ms Semler said she looks forward to seeing what Arts OutWest can achieve in the shire now it’s once again a member.

For more information contact Arts OutWest Communication Officer Natalie Kent (02) 6338 4657 or email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au or Forbes Shire Council’s director Carissa Bywater.

Arts OutWest promotes, facilitates, educates and advocates for arts and cultural development for the communities of the central west of NSW and is supported by the State Government through Arts NSW and 11 local councils of the region covering the area from Lithgow to Wellington and west to Lake Cargelligo.

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