Spending surges during Bash

Published on 08 June 2022

The Mundi Mundi Bash looks set to have an even bigger impact on the city's economy than originally expected, after local spending increased by $3.5 million around April's inaugural event.

The outbreak of COVID-19 somewhat skewed spending figures in 2020 and 2021, but Council's Executive Manager Growth & Investment, Anne Andrews, said there was no doubt the Bash had provided a major windfall for the city.

"The city saw a dramatic decrease in spending in 2020 due to COVID-19, then surged again in 2021 from the mini tourism boom as travel restrictions lifted, meaning 2019 was probably the last 'normal' period of economic activity we've seen," said Ms Andrews.

"When we compare local spending around the time of the bash to the same nine-day period back in 2019, there's an increase of $3,526,533.

"The significance of that data is that our original forecast estimate of visitor expenditure across three years of Bash events was $5.4 million.

"Already we're seeing that the total over the next three years could well exceed initial estimates, meaning a huge boost for the economy and a higher return on investment for event sponsors and investors."

Mundi Mundi Bash and Big Red Bash founder, Greg Donovan, said he was elated to see the event benefit Broken Hill and surrounding towns.

"We know events like the Mundi Mundi Bash, which draw travellers from right around Australia, always bring a huge economic boost, so we are pleased to see these figures confirm that," he said.

"Whilst this additional economic activity relates to Broken Hill, we also know from feedback that all towns in the region receive a similar increase in activity before and after the event as most travellers spend many days travelling to and from Broken Hill.

"This gives us great confidence for the future and we look forward to continue working with Council and the community to enable Broken Hill to take full advantage of the many opportunities that the Mundi Mundi Bash presents."

The next Mundi Mundi Bash event is set to be held in August 2022, and organisers have already secured a host of big names including Midnight Oil, Jimmy Barnes, Missy Higgins, Jon Stevens, Kasey Chambers, and Darryl Braithwaite.

For more information please visit https://www.mundimundibash.com.au/aug2022/home