NT government slashes GleNTi funding by $60k as event reduced to one day

The NT government slashed GleNTi funding by $60k when the event was reduced to one day.

CHIEF Minister Natasha Fyles has confirmed the NT government slashed funding for the GleNTi Festival by up to $60,000 because it was reduced to a one-day event.

A ‘Mini-GleNTi’ planned for next week was postponed earlier this week due to “circumstances beyond our control”, according to organisers.

Funding for the event was reportedly cut from $240,000 to $180,000 just weeks before GleNTi was set to hold a smaller festival.

Former chief minister Michael Gunner is understood to have previously committed $240,000 towards the event, held on the Darwin Esplanade, that draws a large number of locals and visitors.

Natasha Fyles addressing Territorians on the day of her being sworn in as Chief Minister. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

It is considered one of the key events of the year of Darwin’s large Greek community.

In response to a request for comment, Ms Fyles refused to deny the funding cut had taken place.

Ms Fyles said the government and event organisers agreed the funding would be cut because the event was reduced to one day.

She said the funding could be reinstated if GleNTi host the full two-and-a-half day event in coming months.

“The NT government has, and will continue to support the event,” Ms Fyles said.

“It is loved by Territorians and generates significant economic benefits for local suppliers.

“The event has been well supported by the NT government through the NT Major Events Company over many years we are continuing to work closely with organisers to support future events, including plans for the 2022 event to take place at its home on the Esplanade in August instead, which would ensure a massive turnout and amazing festival.”

She was previously the Major Events Minister before becoming Chief Minister.

Mini GleNTi postponed due to ‘circumstances’ beyond control

THE challenge of sourcing supplies from interstate forced the postponement of the Mini GleNTi little more than a week out from the event launch.

Greek Orthodox Community of North Australia president Nick Poniris announced the cancellation on Wednesday morning and said the event would be rescheduled to a date in August.

He said the event would revert back to its regular home on the Esplanade.

The Mini GleNTi was due to take place at the Greek Orthodox School in Rapid Creek but Mr Poniris said “circumstances beyond our control” had forced the event’s postponement.

“The festival has been postponed and we’re still finalising with the various parties for a new date in the very near future,” Mr Poniris said.

The traditional GleNTi was cancelled due to supply issues. Picture:Glenn Campbell

“Covid caused problems nationally and internationally and has caused problems Australia-wide. We’re not immune from any of the issues around the country.

“Based on information from various local supply chains, as of March this year we were in order and the chains were open and now we’re not.

“There is no issue around vaccination. The flow-on effects have limited everything Australia-wide based around what’s been going on.”

He said supply shortages at Woolworths, the event’s major supplier, had also hit the Mini GleNTi. Mr Poniris said it became clear on Tuesday the event was in trouble.

Essentials such as food, utensils, generators, toilets and sanitisation stations were among the line items impacted by the supply shortfalls.

“We had a few alarm bells ringing on Friday afternoon but we sent out a meeting request at 9.30am Tuesday and nothing was confirmed until the last 24-hours,” Mr Poniris said.

“It’s very simple. We’ve all had to adapt our lifestyles and working models over the past three years to suit circumstances and I think it’s an ever evolving circumstance we have to deal with.”

Mr Poniris acknowledged the disruption to interstate visitors who had booked tickets for the Mini GleNTi but said a concert featuring Greek performer Stelios Dionisiou scheduled at the school Sunday would now take place at Discovery.

While an official date has not been announced for the rescheduled Mini GleNTi, the NT News understands organisers are hoping it will be the weekend beginning Saturday, August 20.

The Mini GleNTI was organised to replace the traditional GleNTi held at the start of May which was also cancelled because of Covid-related issues.

Major event postponed

THE Darwin Greek Mini GleNTi has been postponed due to “circumstances” beyond control.

The announcement was made in a post on social media via the official GleNTi page, a week before the event was to take place.

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, Mini GleNTi will be postponed to a later date,” it read.

“The revised date will be announced in the coming days. We apologise for any inconvenience this might cause you.”

The Mini GleNTi was announced in April after the cancellation of the three-day GleNTi festival.

Greek Orthodox Community of North Australia president Nick Poniris told the NT News at the time supply issues prompted the cancellation of the major event.

“When you’re told by your supply chain that they can’t fulfil all the various different ingredients that you need, you have a bit of a concern there,” he said in April.

“And then they have the issues of cost of transport … the cost to do delivery services have gone up exponentially. It’s a matter of how do we supply a product that’s going to be economically viable from a host’s point of view, economically viable from a participant’s point of view, and put a good show out there with what you have to work with.

“To protect the brand of GleNTi – and what it means and what it can deliver – it was best not to host a GleNTi for 2022.”

The NT News understands similar issues have been encountered with the Mini GleNTi.

More to come.