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Vol. 17 No. 42
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Wednesday, April 29, 2015
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TIBETAN TRADITION: Monks Chime Tsering, Yamma Gyatso and Gehlek Tenpa from Gyume Tantric College are creating a sand mandala at Horsham Plaza this week. A mandala, created by monks in contemplation and meditation, is a symbol of a perfect world and its energy. The creation, to remind people of the cycle of life and death and to generate positive energy, is made from various colours of dyed crushed marble.The monks will work daily until Sunday, before a dissolution ceremony at 2pm. Picture: KELLY LAIRD
Grampians growth BY DEAN LAWSON
T
his weekend’s Grampians Grape Escape festival in Halls Gap is set to punctuate the Grampians’ growing reputation as a fine food and wine tourist destination. Northern Grampians Shire Council chief executive Justine Linley said growing interest in the festival reflected how the attraction of the Grampians was extending beyond traditional environment and wilderness experiences. “It really is one of those events that has continued to
grow, particularly in the last four years,” she said. “There is an obvious growing recognition that the Grampians is much more than a national park and that the surrounding district produces some of the best food and wine in the country.” Ms Linley, a Wimmera Development Association board member, will be among district volunteers helping at the 24th Grampians Grape Escape on Saturday and Sunday when festival organisers expect the Halls Gap population to swell by more than 10,000. “It really is a showcase of
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the region’s high-quality food and wine and everyone is really pleased with the number of exhibitors,” Ms Linley said. “There are people specifically making a beeline for the festival, having recognised the quality of produce on offer. “We have incredible food and wine on our doorstep and something of which we should be really proud. As a council we’re absolutely stoked that we have such high quality producers displaying this year.” Official estimates are that the Grampians Grape Escape generates an economic spinoff worth $3.6-million to the
region each year. Tourists and wine and food lovers from across Australia will have an opportunity to sample produce from 35 country Victorian wineries at Halls Gap recreation reserve.
Celebrity drawcard
National food connoisseur and television personality Matt Preston is special guest and the face of this year’s Grampians Grape Escape. Organisers have built on the event’s musical program, headlined by Tex Perkins and his band the Dark Horses. A high percentage of patrons
travel from outside the region and Ms Linley said it was important that district people made an effort to make visitors welcome. “Sunday is also ‘locals’ day so we encourage anyone in the region to come along to a relaxing and enjoyable occasion. We really want people to be part of it all. It sounds like the weather will be favourable and there is nothing better than sitting on a picnic rug on the grass with a wine while enjoying good food,” she said. Northern Grampians Mayor Murray Emerson echoed Ms Linley in describing the festi-
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val as one of the most important annual community events in the municipality. “Other than the Stawell Gift, it’s probably the biggest event for our shire. It attracts a lot of people to the area,” Cr Emerson said. Ironically, the festival is scheduled at the same time as a Regional Victoria Living Expo in Melbourne, starting this Friday. Northern Grampians and other municipal representatives across the region, including Cr Emerson, will be at the expo as part of the annual promotion before rushing back to the Grape Escape.