A record $90,000 was collected and distributed to 10 Ballarat organisations yesterday – almost a 50 per cent increase on 2012’s $62,000.

Springfest director Frank Cotronea said he was blown away by the result.

“We always aim to grow the event each year and increase the overall money raised, but to do so by $30,000 in one year is unbelievable,” Mr Cotronea said.

“It’s testament to the local community as well as those who travel from outside of our region who show support and enthusiasm for all the activities, particularly the huge market weekend.”

About 20,000 visited Springfest in November ... while a record 480 stallholders booked sites.

A raffle, harness racing evening and trivia night were held between August and November.

Voice FM general manager Helen Bath said funds received would be used for an inverter generator to help with outside broadcasts and planned power outages.

“Springfest has not only given us an opportunity to secure much-needed funds but also enables us to work with and for our community,” Ms Bath said.

“Springfest’s support validates our role and the work of our volunteer team.”

Ballarat Regional Industries chief executive officer Paul Crosbie said Springfest funds were vital for the not-for-profit organisation.

“With an ever-expanding waiting list of people with a disability looking for a job at BRI and reducing government support, our involvement in Springfest is our first foray into the philanthropic sector in our 30 years of operation,” Mr Crosbie said.

He said the funds would go towards helping ageing BRI employees transition into retirement and to commission recycling equipment to create more processing jobs for people with a disability.

Other groups to receive funds were the Ballarat East Community Men’s Shed, Fishes & Loaves Network, Cops N Kids Camp Ballarat, Ballarat YMCA, Delacombe Primary School, Ballarat Sports Foundation, Ballarat Health Services and the Ballarat Foundation’s Back to School Program.