Council invites community input on draft Sponsorship Policy

Last updated on 11 July 2023

Council is inviting feedback on a draft Sponsorship Policy which will enhance transparency, accountability, and community engagement in sponsorship activities.

Community members are invited to provide feedback on the draft Sponsorship Policy until 31 July. Feedback received will be carefully considered and will help Council refine and finalise the Policy before it is presented for endorsement.

This policy provides guidance for Council staff seeking or receiving sponsorship opportunities on behalf of Council. It also provides guidance for requesting and reviewing responsible sponsorship naming rights requests from clubs and businesses, including temporary naming of significant assets and infrastructure at sporting grounds (such as the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatics Centre or KTSAC), for both applicants and Council officers.

This policy applies to financial and in-kind support received by Council that is provided by external organisations, such as the Telstra Macedon Ranges Community Choice Awards or sponsorships for shire-wide events such as the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival.

Sponsorship support may also include Victorian Government or Australian Government funding and/or components like ceremonies and events like the Telstra Business Awards.  

The draft Sponsorship Policy represents Council’s commitment to ensuring responsible and effective sponsorship practices.  Clear guidelines and criteria for selecting sponsorships are outlined, ensuring that the decision-making process is fair and consistent. For businesses, this will mean greater understanding of how sponsorships are evaluated and selected.

Council’s Director Corporate, Adele Drago-Stevens, said community input was an important step in helping to shape the policy and ensure future sponsorships align with community values and aspirations.

"By actively engaging the community in the decision-making process, Council aims to foster a sense of ownership and inclusivity, resulting in sponsorships that resonate with the needs and priorities of the community,” she said.

“Council encourages residents and businesses to get involved in the development of the Sponsorship Policy and have a say in how sponsorships are managed.”

View the draft Sponsorship Policy here.