Business Loddon Valley Network Dinner Tuesday 16 August
Published on 12 August 2016
THE vigour of Boort’s innovative tourism efforts will be the focus of the next Loddon Valley Business Network dinner, planned for the Jarklin hotel on Tuesday 16 August.
Boort Business and Tourism Council President Kathryn Lanyon will be one of several group members attending, all keen to share news of planned tourism initiatives in their home town.
“We currently have events planned through to next March,” Kathryn said, “starting with the visit of the Australian Male Welsh Choir on 28 August.
“Our Father’s Day picnic at the Piccolis’ sculpture gardens will be a highlight and we’d expect to see several hundred people there.
“That also serves as the launch of this year’s ‘Naturally Loddon’ Spring Festival.
“We then have the Sculpture by the Lake competition on 8 October as part of the Boort Show and our town Christmas Festival on 9 December, before finishing the year with our Twilight Movie and Market by the Lake on 30 December.
“Over the Australia Day weekend, we’re planning Twilight Music by the Lake, then on 11 March we’re introducing the Boort Snag, Beer and Bubbles Festival at Nolens Park, where there’ll be tastings and music to enjoy.”
Kathryn said the Business and Tourism Council – formerly the Boort Tourism Group – had received a fresh injection of energy over the past few years.
“We can see the turn-around, thanks to the help of more volunteers, younger people – especially women – coming on board, the support of local businesses and the impetus that comes from simply getting stuff done,” she said.
“We also plan to run the Shop Locally campaign again this year, from October to December.
“In 2015, we were able to offer prize money and vouchers totalling more than $6,000 and the 23 participating businesses that took part reported a combined dollar value to them of $345,000.
“We do raise money from events we organise, but that’s all poured back into future happenings and the promotion we need to do.”
The Loddon Valley Business Network began operating in March last year, designed to drive tourism in the region, energise the local business community, increase visitor bed nights and boost local economies.
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every second month.
The evening at Jarklin begins with a meal at 6.30pm at a cost of $20.
Bookings are essential. Please call Sandra Steel on 5494 1257 or email ssteel@loddon.vic.gov.au