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July 30th, 2013 
Peter Nolan
Posted
There has been criticism of the Sydney Festival for accepting The Star casino complex as its principal sponsor.
Sydney Festival Executive Director Christopher Tooher says the new deal means The Star will be the leading sponsor.
He says The Star is broader than gaming, and he hopes most people will see that.
“The Star is very much by making this investment showing it’s much more than gambling,” he said.
He says while there may be sensitivities, there is an alignment between the Festival and the Casino around venues, outdoor facilities, accommodation and restaurants.
“I think there could be a sensitivity around that and we’re not denying that but I think when people think it through that it’s actually a good alignment,” he said.
“It’s actually showing that this institution is interested in much more than than and about giving back to Sydney by supporting a major cultural event.”
The Reverend Doctor Ross Clifford, President of the NSW Council of Churches says it sends the wrong message to families attending the Festival.
Reverend Clifford says gaming is still its primary business.
“We are saying as a community we want to take the risk and danger of gambling seriously but at the same time we’re allowing it to be advertised in a family, children-like atmosphere it’s just a wrong message, it’s inappropriate,” he said.
The NSW Arts and Gaming Minister George Souris has been unavailable for comment.
Topics:
arts-and-entertainment,
carnivals-and-festivals,
gambling,
sydney-2000
Source Article from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-30/sydney-festival-criticised-over-star-casino-sponsorship/4853232
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