Public opinion sought on FeNaCiNG festival holiday

The Shire of Roebourne is calling for community opinions regarding the traditional FeNaClNG festival long weekend.

In most parts of WA, the Queen’s birthday public holiday is held on a date set by the Governor-General.

However, in the Shire of Roebourne, the public holiday is swapped to coincide with the annual FeNaClNG festival – this year, on August 4 and 5.

Shire president Fiona White-Hartig said the council felt it was timely to check in with the community to gather opinion on whether to continue to have the public holiday on the Monday following the festival.

“A number of events, including the annual FeNaClNG festival, are traditionally held on the weekend immediately preceding this public holiday,” she said.

“If, as a community, we are happy to continue with this arrangement then we will, but if there is an appetite for change then it may be time to look at other options.

“Whether you are passionate about seeing the traditional FeNaClNG long weekend continue or you would prefer this public holiday to fall on a different day, I invite you to have your say by emailing sor@roebourne.wa.gov.au.”

Cr White-Hartig said the question would also be in the Shire’s 2012 Community Needs and Satisfaction Survey.

“If large numbers of people do call for change, we will look to continue with the traditional arrangements in 2012,” she said.

“A great deal of consultation with the community and business would be required before any action could be taken.”