Contrary to radio reports this week, Cabonne is not cutting back its funding to Taste Orange and has already increased its funding by $570 this financial year, according to the council’s acting economic development manager Dale Jones. 

“In fact, Cabonne has given more to Taste Orange this year than ever before,” Mr Jones said.

Mr Jones said council has an events assistance program (EAP) with a budget of $40,000 and of the $37,448.18 allocated under the program in 2013/14, $19,318.18 has been provided to Taste Orange@Sydney, Frost Fest, Wine Week, the Banjo Paterson Festival and FOOD Week.

The council also contributed $1750 to Taste Orange from its promotions trade shows budget to participate in last weekend’s 2014 Canberra Food and Wine Expo.

However, Mr Jones said Taste Orange requested a $5,000  contribution for FOOD Week and the council only allocated $3,000.

“This was done to ensure that funds remained in the program to assist eligible Cabonne events that may be held in the rest of this financial year,” he said.

“In 2013, council provided EAP funding of $4000 to FOOD Week, while $3000 was provided in 2012.

“However, in August last year council increased its funding for Wine Week from the recommended level of $2500 to $3000.”

Mr Jones said council staff had recommended its EAP budget be increased in 2014/15 so it can continue to support important regional events held in the villages of Cabonne.

Cabonne Council works closely with Taste Orange and other organisations such as Orange Regional Vignerons Association, Orange City Council and Tourism Cowra, to promote and participate in regional activities and events that benefit Cabonne and the central west area, Mr Jones said.

“Council’s promotions and tourism officer Lynne Hawkes has regular meetings with Taste Orange, worked with the organising committee for the Banjo Paterson Festival and is working closely with Taste Orange and other stakeholders in the organisation of FOOD Week,” he said.

“It is extremely important that we work together to promote the Orange region. 

“It is a brand that has become more recognised in the Sydney market for its food and wine particularly and a large number of those industry participants, particularly the vineyards and cellar doors, are in the Cabonne area.”

“We also work closely with Central NSW Tourism, the Newell Highway Promotions Committee and the Gold Trails group.”