I am calling on The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP to save our Festival. I implore the Honorable Minister to use her discretionary powers to allow this much needed economic boost to this town to proceed. The town of Charlton which is struggling through a drought needs the Maitreya Festival for badly needed funds for our clubs,business's and services. The Maitreya Festival provides money, hope, cultural diversity and a terrific amount of good-will to this town and the surrounding areas of the Buloke Shire.

I ask you to over-turn Buloke Council's decision to NOT issue a permit and ask you to use your powers to allow the Maitreya Festival to continue. Thousands are looking forward to recreating the magic they shared last year on the majestic Wooroonook Lake. Surely late permits are no reason to deny artists, patrons and locals the chance to express themselves at a location they all love and care for.

The Maitreya Festival is a cultural music event loved and visited by people from all over the world.