The decision to issue a planning permit to this year’s Esoteric Festival was made conditionally at Buloke Shire Council’s ordinary meeting held on Monday night in Wycheproof.

The Council had announced its decision to deny a ten-year planning permit late last week following health and safety concerns, as well as emergency services regulations. The Council meeting was called to allow festival organisers the chance to reduce the duration of the permit they had applied for, to respond and rectify issues, and to meet the standard of safety required following review with emergency services prior to the opening of the event.

The Council meeting heard from organiser Sam Goldsmith, detailing the importance of the Esoteric Festival, not only to those directly involved, such as staff and patrons, but also to the wider community and vast number of local clubs and businesses which benefit from the number of visitors to the town each year.

Impact

President and vice-president of Donald’s Chamber of Commerce, Rachel Grant and Sarah Jardine, then spoke highly of the annual event and reminded Council of impact of late cancellation and the financial loss to businesses which have stocked up to cater to the influx of visitors already arriving in the district.

“Esoteric is more than just a festival, it is a vital economic driver for the local community,” said Rachel.

“Each year, it brings thousands of visitors who spend money at local businesses – fuel stations, accommodation providers, cafés, hardware stores and many more. The loss of the Esoteric Festival would not just impact festival organisers, it would send shockwaves through our local economy and beyond.”

Petition

They were armed with a petition signed by over 13,000 signatures of supporters of the festival, pleading for council to review its decision and at least grant a permit for a 12-month period.

Finally, John McConville spoke highly of the Goldsmith family as being particularly decent and generous people, highlighting their unfailing loyalty to the community and the respect they receive from their peers in return.

He also mentioned the international acclaim the festival has been receiving, attracting international visitors to the region. He implored councillors and council staff to visit the festival site themselves to see how amazing it actually is.

“This is voted as one of the best fesitvals in the world,” he said. “The music industry is failing because of all of these rules and regulations being placed on events, but we don’t need that – we’re all in this together.”

Permit granted

Following the speakers, Councillor Milne announced the permit to be granted under certain conditions, specifically the duration of the planning permit being reduced from 10 years to 12 months, and the event complying with emergency services standards with CFA, Ambulance, GWMWater and other relevant emergency services departments all checked off for this year’s event to proceed.

Cheers

There were audible cheers and much celebration from those who had turned up by the busload in support of the Esoteric Festival.

Showing its gratitude to the entire town for the ongoing support, organisers announced free festival entry to anyone from Donald; all you have to do is show your ID at the gate to get your chance to check out a world-class event held right here in district.

It’s on now

Esoteric Festival opened at Gil Gil yesterday (March 6), with the opening ceremony scheduled to commence tonight at the Ascension Stage. Locals and visitors to the region are strongly encouraged to show their support to this vital tourism event.

See all the pictures in the issue.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 7 March 2025.
Related story: Festival application refusal