The recommendations in the independent review, seen by The Ballarat Courier, identify a number of issues in the operations of Daylesford Macedon Ranges (DMR) Tourism which contributed to the festival falling over. 

The recommendations include the implementation of new governance practices, the establishment of a Finance and Risk Committee, re-prioritisation of core business delivery and a review of criteria assessment for regional events by Visit Victoria.

The failure of the festival has had huge financial implications for the tourism body.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Where's the money from the festival that lost $200,000?

As such, Visit Victoria is injecting $175,000 into the local tourism body by bringing forward a part of the next installment of its Regional Marketing Partnership grant funding.

However, the recommendations state that even with this financial contribution, to assist with the continuation of operations, the organisation will require further funding from Visit Victoria and the State Government.

Additionally, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas last November announced that $200,000 would be provided to support community festivals across Hepburn and Macedon Ranges Shires. 

Under this commitment, each shire will receive $100,000 of funding to expand existing, and attract new, events in the region. Visit Victoria said these funds would not be given directly to DMR Tourism or the Live. Love. Life Festival.

The recommendations state there has been some reduction in costs at DMR Tourism, driven by a reduction in contracted staff, but advise quarterly financial cash flow reporting for a minimum period of two years while continuing to look at ways to cut costs.

Another major recommendation is for the body to work more closely with Hepburn and Macedon Ranges Shire Councils. Representatives, ideally Chief Executives, of both councils have been offered positions on the board.

CEO of DMR Tourism Steve Wroe said the body “fully accepted” the findings outlined in the report:  “[We] will commit to the recommendations that will ensure the sustainable future of our organisation.

DMR Tourism is already working to resolve these issues, rebuild relationships with community groups and re-establish trust in our organisation,” he said.

Visit Victoria CEO Peter Bingeman said the region was one of Victoria’s most love tourist destinations.

“That’s why it’s so important that we get Daylesford Macedon Tourism back on its feet, delivering the support local operators need.”

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