THE future of the Stawell Gift has received a boost, with both sides of state politics committing to fund the race in the next term of government.
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The Coalition and Labor have both promised to contribute $600,000 over the next four years if they are successful at the November 29 poll.
The gift is Australia’s oldest and richest professional footrace.
It was first run in 1878.
Northern Grampians Mayor Kevin Erwin welcomed bi-partisan support for the race.
‘‘It is a great commitment and it’ll certainly help the gift to continue on,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s good that both sides of politics recognise the value and importance of the Stawell Gift.’’
Cr Erwin said the race was an integral part of the shire’s economy.
‘‘It does bring considerable numbers of visitors to the region over Easter,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s a well recognised event and certainly something that adds a lot to the shire.
‘‘It gives retailers a real boost over Easter.’’
The gift’s future in Stawell was in doubt in 2009 when the Stawell Athletics Club was hit by financial turmoil.
The City of Ballarat launched a bid to poach the race from Stawell, offering the club more than $1million to host the race in Ballarat for five years.
The community, council and the State Government rallied behind the race, ensuring it stayed at Central Park.
Cr Erwin said the funding commitments would ensure the race stayed in Stawell for the next four years.
‘‘They still haven’t announced a major sponsor and that’ll be the next hurdle for the club to overcome,’’ he said.
‘‘Sponsorship and government funding really make sure the event can happen at a very high standard.
‘‘It allows the organisation to provide media coverage and add some drawcards to the event that perhaps wouldn’t be able to be provided otherwise.’’
Stawell is in the marginal seat of Ripon, which is held by retiring Labor member Joe Helper.
Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said the Stawell Gift was iconic and Labor’s commitment would go towards sponsorship of the race and maintenance of the facilities at Central Park.
Sport and Recreation Minister Damian Drum said the gift brought economic benefits to Victoria.
‘‘The Stawell Gift brings people from across Victoria, Australia and the world to the region with economic, social and health benefits flowing,’’ he said.
Melbourne lawyer Luke Versace won last year’s gift in one of the tightest finishes in the race’s history.
The 134th edition of the gift will be staged over the Easter long weekend from April 3 to April 6.
