New committee saves historic highland gathering

Erin Pearson
A NEW committee has saved Geelong Highland Gathering, according to its vice-president.
John Fraser said 10 new members joined the committee at a meeting this week.
The Independent reported earlier this month that the gathering had until June to find new permanent members to avoid folding.
Mr Fraser said “more than 30 people” attended this week’s meeting to save the 2011 event.
“Things are looking a lot better now,” he said.
The committee would now “fight” to prepare the event for March despite losing key attractions including 2012 Australian and Victorian pipe band championships for the next five years.
Mr Fraser blamed uncertainty over the gathering’s future for losing the championships.
“Geelong has lost credibility in the pipe band world and this has jeopardised our work to make the city the permanent home of the (Australian championships).
“It will still need something special in terms of support from City of Greater Geelong, Victorian Scottish organisations and others to resurrect this bid. The next opportunity is 2014.”
Mr Fraser said the new committee would continue the search for a new gathering site after losing Queens Park in 2009.
Ward councillor Stretch Kontelj was “looking forward” to working with the new members.
“The new committee will put a formal proposal through to council and I’ll work with them to determine a location for the gathering next year,” he said.
“I haven’t ruled out Queens Park as a location. It’s a major event for Geelong and it’s one that’s very well-supported.”