VICTORIA THANKS YOU
Victoria has been experiencing a difficult time with the recent bushfires.
On behalf of the Victorian tourism industry, Tourism Victoria would like to thank the generous response by many in the media who have offered to write or produce stories to contribute to the regions’ recovery from the recent fires.
It has been heart-warming to know that many of you are willing to support Victoria through this challenging period.
In the short term there are a number of ways to encourage regional travel (where it is safe to do so) and to support Victoria’s tourism industry.
Here are some promotional ideas to consider:
Federation Square will be holding a Special Victorian Wine Regions Showcase on 4 and 5 March from 4.30pm until 8.30pm. Bushfire affected wineries will be attending. Tickets are $25 per person. Go to www.federationsquare.com.au for further details.
Victoria’s leading attractions and tourism operators will be donating their Labour Day (Monday 9 March) takings in the hope to raise $1 million to the Victorian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. Twenty-three major attractions will be participating including Sovereign Hill, Healesville Sanctuary, Eureka Skydeck 88, Werribee Mansion, and Melbourne Museum.
Victoria is renowned for holding a rich array of regional events and in March and April there is a host of opportunities for travellers.
Many regions are staging their own regional food and wine events as part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (7-23 March). There is a delicious selection of events to experience including the World’s Longest Lunch. For the full list of regional events refer to www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au
Gippsland Inspired Festival is currently running and has a number of events over the long weekend and beyond. Here are some event highlights: A Palate of Passion World’s Longest Lunch (13 March), the Inverloch Food & Wine Festival (14 March) and Feast on East Harvest Picnic (15 March). For further details go to www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au
Yarra Valley’s Rochford Winery will be holding its Opera under the Stars event on Saturday 7 March. Guests can relax on the lawns while being entertained by the Australian performers Pot-Pourri and the Yarra Trio. Stones Winery will serve an extraordinary lunch prepared by five of Melbourne’s leading chefs on Sunday 8 March. Iconic chefs include Greg Malouf (Momo’s), George Calombaris (The Press Club) and Frank Camorra (MoVida). This is a major fundraiser event with all takings being donated to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. For further details go to www.stonesoftheyarravalley.com
The High Country region also has a number of excellent events for people to enjoy including the Tastes of Rutherglen (7-8March); High Country Autumn Festival (7-8 March) in Mansfield; and the Merrijig Rodeo (7 March).
Alternatively the Yarra Valley, Victoria’s High Country and Gippsland regions are strong producers of excellent wines, cheeses, chocolates, jams, berries and other delicious items. Support these regional producers by purchasing their wines and produce in the coming months.
Image- Bushfire survivors: Squeaks the Ring Tail Possum is just one of the many of the animals needing long term care at Healesville Sanctuary's Australian Wildlife Health Centre.
Media Contact:
Victoria’s Attractions & Tourism Appeal: Leanne Tyrrell, Tyrrell PR & Promotions:
leanne@tyrrellpr.com.au or 9629 7000
For all other information contact:
Danielle Poulos, Tourism Victoria, danielle.poulos@tourism.vic.gov.au or 03 9653 9773.