With new funding announced as well as the management handed over by Douglas Chamber of Commerce, Carnivale is set for a another phase of growth into its 22nd year.

After 10 dynamic years as the custodians of the region’s best loved event, the Douglas Chamber of Commerce will seek new management for Port Douglas Carnivale. 

Phoebe Kitto, chair of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce, said after undertaking a thorough review of the event and the Chamber’s role as manager, it was decided Port Douglas Carnivale would be best placed with either the Douglas Shire Council or a third-party professional event management company. 

“Port Douglas Carnivale has enjoyed 21 wonderful years and 10 of those have been with the Douglas Chamber of Commerce at the helm. 

“We have established an excellent brand with a great reputation but it is now time for someone else to take the reins and elevate this event to the next level.”

Ms Kitto said Port Douglas Carnivale had grown to such an extent that it now dominated the organisation’s core activities, which are primarily to drive economic development and offer information and networking opportunities to Douglas businesses.

The Douglas Chamber of Commerce was contracted by Council to deliver Carnivale until September 2017 but informed Council last week that it no longer wished to continue in the role.

Mayor Julia Leu thanked the Chamber for their efforts in managing Carnivale for the past decade and securing a new funding agreement under the QDEP before handing over the reins.

“The Chamber has done a great job overseeing Carnivale for many years and Council respects its decision to focus on other priorities,” Mayor Leu said.

“Council is as committed as ever to funding Carnivale and showcasing all that is great about our fabulous Douglas Shire to the world.

“Our focus now is to conduct a thorough review of Carnivale, assess what’s working at the moment and what isn’t and implement changes to help the event evolve.”
Mayor Leu said it was too early to comment on what management model Council will adopt for Carnivale in 2016.

“Council’s priority is to determine the best way forward for Carnivale and we will keep the community informed every step of the way.

“But rest assured Carnivale will remain an important part of the Douglas Shire’s events calendar in 2016 and beyond.”

Carnivale 2016 has received a funding boost by Tourism & Events Queenland’s commitment of $80,000 over the next two years.  

Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones yesterday announced that Carnivale would receive $40,000 in 2016 and 2017 through the Tourism and Events Queensland’s Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP)
Port Douglas Carnivale will now be reviewed by interested parties and an announcement is expected in October.