While it has more than its fair share of haters, the event is an excellent boost for the community and showcases Griffith's multicultural diversity with pride.

Those who slammed the festival for its change of venue to the Community Gardens cannot deny the La Festa committee has gone above and beyond to keep the event alive.

And obviously the state government agrees it's a worthwhile venture, investing $60,000 over the next three years to keep it afloat.

Organisers will cast their net further afield than ever thanks to the marketing grant, which will enable them to advertise and attract tourists from not only outside the region, but also outside the state.

Attracting more people to Griffith to explore our unique city and experience the diverse range of food, wine and culture available, can only be a good thing.

Tourists are key economic drivers for so many industries across Griffith and if they like what they see during La Festa, they're bound to spread the word and keep coming back.

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CHANGE is inevitable and there is no doubt that councils must move with the times and work together to keep viable.

But there has got be something to be said for a system that has withstood the test of time.

There is a real chance that in the not-too-distant future the outlying councils of Murrumbidgee and Carrathool could vanish if they are forced to amalgamate with Griffith.

But after so many years successfully serving ratepayers, both have a right to question whether these new changes suggested in the Local Government Review Panel's final report to the state government are really needed.

There is an old saying in the bush that goes if it ain't broke, why fix it?