Vol. No. Vol. 2118No. 35 27
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UP FOR THE FIGHT: Thirtyyear-old James Crute of Dadswells Bridge will take his battle against cancer to Horsham and District Relay for Life at Dock Lake Reserve on Friday and Saturday. Mr Crute is recovering from tissue cancer after he found a lump on his ribcage last year. He will join relay participants from across the region and promote a message of hope for people affected by the disease. The Weekly Advertiser is a major sponsor of Relay for Life. For James’s story and relay team profiles, see pages 18 to 21. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Region alive, active A
BY DEAN LAWSON
procession of major events unfolding across the Wimmera, Grampians and southern Mallee are pumping millions of dollars into regional communities. Government development agencies are closely following the impact and evolution of these events and noting obvious socio-economic benefits. Regional development leader Stuart Benjamin said many large-scale community activities dominating a late summer and autumn calendar were major economic stimulants.
He said this meant major events that attracted people into their cities, towns and regions, were ‘in no small way’ contributing to the overall health of their communities. “In presenting these events, be they for music, business, agriculture or whatever, passionate people are providing a key piece of a regional development jigsaw puzzle,” he said. “These events only happen when local people get together and put in their own time, effort and money for the benefit of the greater community. “It’s creating an economic wave to the benefit of everyone and ultimately
creates jobs.” Mr Benjamin, Regional Development Victoria Grampians region chairman, made the comments in the wake of events such as Wimmera Machinery Field Days, Horsham Fishing Competition, Grampians Music and Pitch festivals, this weekend’s Horsham Irish and Ararat Jailhouse Rock festivals and other approaching events such as Horsham Country Music Festival and Warracknabeal’s Y-Fest. “Events are the best way to attract big-spending visitors into a community to boost business and employment opportunities,” he said.
“Visiting friends and relatives, known in the industry as VFR, account for nearly 50 percent of visitors to the Wimmera. “These are people who have a connection to the region. Events give this group a reason to visit, and encourages them to visit more often. “Events also encourage our communities to invite their friends – three quarters of visitors come from within Victoria, mostly Melbourne – to come and share a unique experience. It provides an excuse to visit.” Mr Benjamin, based in Ballarat but a regular Wimmera visitor and in charge
of development stretching from the edge of Melbourne to the South Australian border, said the Wimmera’s distance from Melbourne was both an advantage and disadvantage. “It means visitors need to stay for multiple days. It is our job to make sure we have enough offerings, or things for them to do, and sufficient accommodation,” he said. Mr Benjamin said expectations were that the annual value of tourism for both Horsham and Northern Grampians municipalities to hit $100-million by 2020. Continued page 3
IN THIS ISSUE • Plans in place for Irish party • Country Music Festival showcase • Football-netball previews Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
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