Council & Business
10 June, 2025
Concerns over EB costs
A Central Goldfields Shire councillor is “massively concerned” over Energy Breakthrough (EB) sponsorship funding, despite an increase last year, following a recent debrief report.
At the May council meeting, councillor Gerard Murphy said the shire “can’t afford” their contribution to the event, which was $250,000 last year, and should seek further sponsorships.
“We can’t afford to pay out $250,000 and if it goes out $300,000 — we can’t afford to do that,” he said.
Cr Murphy’s comments follow
the ongoing financial pressures throughout the community, including on council, while EB has been navigated through rising event costs since COVID.
Following the pandemic, according to council, event costs rose 20 to 30 percent requiring the shire to introduce a new model in 2023.
That model resulted in savings of over $100,000 in overheads compared to the 2022 event, and contributed to council’s savings last year.
The debrief report, which follows a strategic planning session with 26 key stakeholders, found that 2023’s revised model alongside increased sponsorships reduced council’s contribution by $30,000.
While 46 percent ($151,000) of total revenue were sponsorships, up $67,000 from 2023, Cr Murphy said they should be “putting the squeeze” on multinational corporations for more support.
“I am really concerned that the big boys, … the big multinationals don’t put big money into this event. Massively concerned about that,” he said.
While the new model reduced costs it hasn’t reduced entries with 262 teams from 108 schools registered — an increase of 10 percent.
Councillor Liesbeth Long shared the report’s estimate that 3500 students, teachers, and families contributed $3.8 million to the local economy over the five days.
“That’s just phenomenal,” she said.
It’s a result made possible thanks to the contribution of 700 active volunteers donating 2340 hours of their time per year, the equivalent of $77,000 according to council.
As EB 2025 approaches Cr Long echoed a familiar sentiment from previous years.
“While it’s good to reflect on last years event the governance committee are certainly not sitting on their haunches with work for the 2025 event well underway,” she said.
“I hope the 2025 event will be even bigger and better.”