One Night Stand has positive financial impact on local economys

It was the biggest event Geraldton has ever had and it was no surprise that the financial injection into the community was huge.

It has been projected that over $1.5 million was injected into our local economy, and local business and community groups have praised the event for the amazing financial benefits.

Nearly 15,000 patrons attended triple j’s One Night Stand at Wonthella Oval on Saturday with visitors from all across the state and some even made the trip cross country for the concert which included big name artists Boy & Bear, Alison Wonderland and Urthboy, plus a swag of special guests.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said with an event of such a high calibre it was always expected to bring in thousands of visitors to our city and many local businesses were prepared for the influx.

“The injection of money into the community really was phenomenal with excess of $1.5 million,” he said.

“Not only were the financial benefit huge but this event put Geraldton on the map as a possible future stop for big names.

“The event was run so smoothly and we anticipate we can get more big names here in the Mid West in the future.”

Driving through Geraldton’s CBD on Saturday and Sunday morning was a sight to see with people lining our streets, filling busy local cafes and just generally taking the in the sites of our City.

Geraldton Visitor Centre Coordinator of Tourism and Visitor Information Centre Rebecca Tuesley said numbers through the Centre over the weekend had most definitely increased with the number of visitors to the City.

Local restaurant Salt Dish were inundated over the weekend and even had visits from most of the artists.

Owner Natasha Sellei said One Night Stand provided a welcome boost for small local retail and hospitality businesses.

“It would be great to have future events like One Night Stand because it gives regional places like Geraldton a chance to not only showcase our City but showcase quality dining and shopping experiences,” she said.

“We were so busy over the weekend and it was just such a great opportunity for Geraldton.”

Good timing saw the Geraldton Cup fall on Sunday which also reaped the benefits from One Night Stand.

Geraldton Turf Club Manager Dave Wrensted said numbers at the Geraldton Cup were the best they had seen in over five years.

“We most definitely benefited from One Night stand and we can confidently confirm that there was definitely a strong overflow of people from One Night Stand to the Geraldton Cup on Sunday,” he said.

“We must commend the Council and all those involved in putting on a great, it was very well done and a great thing for our community.”

A majority of local accommodation outlets also reached capacity with rooms and tent sites booked out within days of the event announcement.

“All in all, we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome for our community,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“We are dedicated to bringing new and exciting entertainment to our community and things that will help enhance our local economy.”