Following a massive weekend of events and activities in Tamworth, several local organisations have banded together to make sure that every event gets the most out of the local community, and vice versa.
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Earlier in the year organisers were shocked to discover that both the Pedal the Peel cycling challenge and Trail Blazer ultra-running event had been scheduled for the exact same date, last Sunday.
On the same day the Quirindi Canter, a fun run and cycling challenge was also being held, as was the Taste Tamworth event, Taste in the Park.
Fortunately all events were reportedly well attended, however a small committee are launching a public 'to the minute' calendar to make sure avoidable clashes are minimised in the future.
Backed by Forsyths, and available through their website, a shared events calendar is being launched where any sporting and events organisations can register details and dates of their events from a year out.
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Six weeks ago representatives from Pedal the Peel, Trail Blazer, the Tamworth Cycling Club, Mountain Bike Club and the Tamworth Tri Club formed a committee to launch the calendar, and are now inviting other organisations to enter their details.
Forsyths' managing principal Andrew Kirk said the calendar "will provide the foresight of other competitions or tournaments in the region on that same day - resulting in fewer event clashes."
"We have an extraordinary number of sporting events in the region, run by some outstanding community members," he said.
"We want to help these groups plan so their events get the best possible attendance."
While the Pedal the Peel and Trail Blazer have already used the calendar to lock in dates for next year's events that do not clash, Forsyths are also looking to fill the calendar with events such as the City to Surf, Port Macquarie Iron Man and Trial Bay Triathlon which are well attended by Tamworth athletes each year as well.
For Forsyths the events calendar is a logical and simple solution that can benefit the entire community.
"As financial planners we plan by nature - it's a tangible way we can lend a hand to the local sporting community," Mr Kirk said.
"The volunteers that make these sporting events happen are vital to our communities - the more we can do to help create successful events the better.
"We have a vested interest in sport, and this just seemed a great opportunity for us to be part of the sporting community, and to offer the coordination that is difficult for small volunteer run organisations.
"The calendar is being built within our team, and will be available for use by sporting groups very soon."
