Tourists at Mundi Mundi Bash boost business but locals say it falls short of last music festival
The second Mundi Mundi Bash for 2022 has just finished. (Supplied: Matt Williams)
As the music stopped at the Mundi Mundi Bash, caravans drove away from the desert plains, leaving a boost in revenue for businesses across far west NSW.
Key points:
- Business owners say the economic benefit was not as high as the last Mundi Mundi Bash but is still welcome
- A new bookstore owner says his revenue increased by more than 30 per cent
- Locals hope the festival will encourage more tourists to visit far west NSW
Owners said sales increased within Broken Hill and Silverton, after more than 8,000 people attended the three-day music festival last week.
Silverton Bakery owner Naomi Schmidt said she was "pleasantly surprised" with the number of people coming to her business throughout the week.
"It's been a busy, busy week so we're pretty happy with everything that's gone on," she said.
Ms Schmidt said she had seen customers from across Australia, as well as familiar faces from past events.
"This type of event is very productive for the area, and once everybody's come back from the bash itself, there's a lot of merchandise you can see people wearing," she said.
Ms Schmidt said while trading was not as high as it was during the last Bash in April this year, it came close.
"I think people had come with their pocket full and ready to spend," she said.
Support for new businesses
The Broken Hill Bookshop owner Johnathan Cooper said his sales increased by more than 30 per cent in the past week due to the Mundi Mundi Bash.
Having just started his business in March, it has helped Mr Cooper get a head start in building revenue.
"They [tourists] have been really appreciative, the amount of people through the shop has been huge," he said.
Johnathan Cooper says revenue has been strong, which is helpful for his new business. (ABC Broken Hill: Youssef Saudie)
Mr Cooper was able to get some of his books signed by some of the performers, and sell them.
This included books from artists like Richard Clapton, Tex Perkins and Tim Rogers as well as Jimmy Barnes.
"I think people appreciate going through the effort of getting books signed, which can make it a bit more special,"he said.
More tourism talk
Broken Hill Tourist Park owner Michael McIvor said it had been "great" to see businesses packed once again.
Michael McIvor says he hopes to see more tourists return soon. (ABC News: Jonathon Poulson)
He said even though people had left the Bash, his accommodation services remained packed in Broken Hill.
"We're full out here as well the Outback View Holiday Park, there's about 250 sites that are pretty much full already," Mr McIvor said.
But he said revenue was not as high as the last festival.
"I don't think it was as great as what it was originally, but there's still a lot of people hanging around and the word of mouth is getting out there to visit the far west."
The total estimated revenue from the latest Mundi Mundi Bash is expected to be known in the coming weeks.
The festival in April increased local spending by $3.5 million.