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> News from Tourism
BRIGHT OVG APP
As part of the Official Visitor Guide production late last year, an Apple app has now been built. The app is available to download from the iTunes Store by searching ‘OVG Bright’ or following this link: http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ovg-bright/id521041256. All businesses that advertised in the Bright & Surrounds OVG are listed on the app, with businesses who advertise in the upcoming Retail, Dining and Experience guide also to be listed. Prominent Group, who developed the app, will now focus on the Andriod version of the app.
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EVENT FUNDING AVAILABLE
Council is now taking applications for funding for festivals and events. Festivals and events are strategically important and contribute to the economic wellbeing of the Alpine Shire. In recognition of this, Alpine Shire Council is seeking submissions from new and existing events for funding and in-kind sponsorship for events that will occur in the 2012-2013 financial year. For more information or to apply for events funding, contact Council’s Events Officer Julieann Martin on 5755 0555 or via email at julieannm@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.
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EVENT WRAP UP
The Geebung vs. Cuff ‘n’ Collar Polo Match
The Geebung vs. Cuff ‘n’ Collar Polo Match held on Easter Sunday was full of excitement for all that attended. The match took place at Cobungra Station past Dinner plain with over 3000 people attending the event to watch as the country boys took on the city slickers in what could be described as an action packed, competitive match. Rebecca Maddern kept the crowds entertained with her take on Fashions on the Field and commentary throughout the day. The weather was amazing, frozen chickens were thrown, ropes tugged and Easter Eggs dropped and collected. Watch out for next year’s match when the city boys will want a go at the trophy.
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UP AND COMING EVENTS
Living with the Past, Not in the Past
The Alpine Shire Council will host a presentation by the Shire's Heritage Advisor, Ivar Nelsen on May 3rd. The presentation is part of the National Trust's 2012 Heritage Festival which has an 'Innovation and Invention' theme.
The presentation will showcase exciting examples of innovation and creativity at historic sites and buildings in Australia and overseas. Heritage can be celebrated as an active part of an exciting future and not just a static remnant of the past. Come along and be inspired by the new face of conservation in our new millennium!
During Ivar Nelsen's 37 years in the heritage field, he has seen the conservation movement change substantially, which will be discussed during the presentation.
'Living with the Past, Not in the Past' will entertain and enlighten the audience and will provide an opportunity for all attendees to meet Ivar Nelsen.
Bookings are strongly recommended. To book, contact the Alpine Shire Council on 5755 0555.
Venue; Bright Council Chambers
La Fiera
25 - 27 May, now in its fourth year, La Fiera will continue to delight, entertain and amaze visitors by portraying many aspects of Italian culture.
New in 2012 will be a performance of a great Italian play called "Emma Celebrazione", an evening of Italian operatic arias and a cinematic tribute to Sophia Loren. Food and wine will play an important role too starting with the Food & Wine Festa on the Saturday, and a whole day of feasting on the Sunday. Truly, "A Weekend of Fun - the Italian Way!"
www.festival.org.au
Bright Brewery Harvest 150 Ale Launch
The Bright Brewery have brewed a special 150 heritage beer using fresh harvest hops and heritage grains to celebrate Bright’s 150th Birthday. The Launch will be held on Locals Day (May 11) at the Bright Brewery from 4pm onwards. During the Launch, there will be free Harvest 150 tastings, nibbles, brewery tours, heritage bonnets and a special presentation. For more information, contact the brewery on 5755 1301.
High Country Harvest Festival
The High Country Harvest Festival will be taking place across North East Victoria from May 18-27. Many operators will host events, with the Alpine Valleys hosting Alpine Brewer for a Day (Bright Brewery), Pedal to Produce, Autumn’s Bounty Long Lunch (Boynton’s Feathertop Winery), Alpine Craft Beer Harvest Lunch (Simone’s of Bright), Lessons from the Autumn Table (Patrizia Simone’s Country Cooking School) and La Fiera Myrtleford. For full details, drop into a Visitor Information Centre and pick up a programme or visit; www.highcountryharvest.com.au
Emma Celebrazione!
As part of the La Fiera celebrations, Graham Pitts’ play tells the story of Emma Ciccotosto, who migrates from an impoverished Italian rural village to Western Australia at the age of 13. The play is brought to you by the Bright Alpine Actors Incorporated. Held at the Myrtleford Savoy Club on Friday May 25, tickets are limited to 150 seats. $35 per person includes pasta smorgasbord and a glass of wine during the interval. For more information visit www.festival.org.au or contact Jenny Packham for tickets 0418 564 768.
Snowexcuse Opening Ski Weekend
The festival at Dinner Plain will host an incredible line up of Australian’s most prominent Chefs over the Queen's Birthday weekend, with a series of high quality food and wine events. A gourmet adventure! Bring the whole family as there's loads of activities for the kids. 9 - 11 June www.visitdinnerplain.com.au/Pages/Events/22-Snowexcuse_Opening_Ski_Weekend_.aspx
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COUNTRY STYLE MAGAZINE
This month representatives from Country Style magazine will be visiting the area with a number of features including pieces on Bright, Myrtleford and Dinner Plain, with a focus on Myrtleford Butter Factory, The Kilns, Villa Gusto, Bogong Horseback Adventures. This famil has been initiated and coordinated by the North East Victoria Tourism Board as they continually organise familiarisations for journalists to the area, with Ewen Bell (REX magazine) and James Smith (The Crafty Pint) other recent journalists to the area.
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WEDDING GUIDE
This year the ‘Weddings in Victoria’s Alpine High Country’ brochure will be reproduced and updated as an online version. The current A4 brochure has been in print for a number of years and includes many local businesses. If you would like to be included in the new online guide please contact Kate Houlgate kateh@alpineshire.vic.gov.au or 03 5755 0555. Categories included are: accommodation, reception centres, caterers, celebrants, churches, car hire, hair and beauty, day spa, flowers, dress makers, music, photographers, tours and wedding cakes.
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KIDS PACKS
Last year, the Alpine Shire Council developed kids packs, available through the Visitor Information Centres. These packs included a colouring book, pencils, stickers and vouchers for local businesses. We are now opening up this offer to our local businesses. If you would like to have these packs available in your business to keep kids entertained please contact Kate Houlgate kateh@alpineshire.vic.gov.au or 03 5755 0555. The packs are to be given out free of charge to visitors and we will be providing them free of charge to businesses.
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HELMET CAMS
The Alpine Shire Council has a number of helmet cams which are currently available for use by operators and their guests. If you are interested in borrowing a helmet camera (free of charge) please contact Kate Houlgate kateh@alpineshire.vic.gov.au or 03 5755 0550.
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NORTH EAST VICTORIA TOURISM BOARD UPDATE;
Come and meet the regional tourism team for the North East.
North East Victoria Tourism Board (NEVTBi) took over the role as the peak regional tourism organisation in Victoria’s High Country on 1 July 2011. The regional tourism board now has a signed off strategy and a team in place to drive the regional marketing, industry and product development and investment attraction activities of the Board.
The NEVTB team are running a series of industry operator meetings around the region over the coming months. All sessions are complimentary and light refreshments will be served. The presentation and networking session will take 1 hour with the option for individuals to stay on for one on one discussion for a further 30 minutes.
These sessions are designed to be informative and lively and will aim to:
- Introduce the NEVTB team;
- Explain the regional tourism structure, our region’s target audience and our key strategies;
- Assist businesses to understand opportunities to work with the regional tourism team;
- Explain the business operator training and marketing initiatives that will take place over the coming twelve months;
- Provide a local networking opportunity;
- Allow small group discussion about specific tourism industry sectors including:
o Food, wine and beer;
o Accommodation and retail;
o Nature based tourism including cycling.
Session attendees will be given first preference to register for upcoming one on one business mentoring and digital marketing training sessions.
Bright 28 May 2012 11.00am
Alpine Shire Council Chamber
2 Churchill Avenue
Bright
http://brightnevtb.eventbrite.com.au/
Mt Beauty 21 May 2012 10.30am
Mount Beauty Holiday Centre
222/226 Kiewa Valley Highway
Towonga
http://mountbeautynevtb.eventbrite.com.au/
If you have any questions about the sessions or trouble registering please call Korinne at the NEVTB office on 5728 2773 or email info@nevtb.com.au.
Alpine National Park - click here to download
TOURISM VICTORIA UPDATE
Record nominations for 2012 Victorian Tourism Awards
Tourism Victoria has received 70 nominations so far for this year's RACV Victorian Tourism Awards (VTA), which represents a 20% jump in nominations when compared to the same time last year.
There has also been increased interest in the number of first time and experienced entrants participating in the VTA mentoring programs and workshops. Both the mentoring programs and workshops are designed to help tourism businesses navigate their way through making an entry submission.
For more information about the awards, its mentoring programs and how to support the RACV People's Choice Awards go to the dedicated VTA website here.
Victorian Government supports cycling tours in regional Victoria
Regional Victoria is set to benefit from a boost to the local tourism industry with the Victorian Coalition Government's announcement of $25,000 to support three cycling tours under Tourism Victoria's Events Program.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said the Coalition Government's support would be used to promote the cycling tour events nationally through metro and regional newspapers, cycling websites and the CycleSport Victoria handbook.
The Tour of Gippsland, Tour of the Murray River and the inaugural Tour of the Great South Coast will attract both interstate and international cyclists to Victoria along with large support crews.
All three events form part of the Scody Cup Series sanctioned by the Australian Cycling Federation under the National Road Series.
The 2012 Tour of Gippsland will be held from 1–5 August. This is followed by the 2012 Tour of the Great South Coast on 15–19 August, and the 2012 Tour of the Murray River will run from 2–9 September.
For more information read the full media release here.
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> News from Economic Development
FINANCING YOUR BUSINESS SEMINAR
Wednesday 9 May 2012, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Need finance for your business?
It is vital that you finance your business the right way. This is the perfect forum for business owners seeking to expand but who are not sure what type of finance is available or which product to choose. Discover the difference between debt and equity funding and get the facts on how finance and refinancing work in this practical, easy to understand seminar.
For more information, please download the flyer .
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$20.00 per person (light supper provided). This seminar is subsidised by the Alpine Shire and DBI. All seminar material will be provided.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
Register and pay via credit card at the Business Victoria website . Alternatively you can register and pay at the Alpine Shire office, 2 Churchill Avenue (just off Great Alpine Road), Bright. Please register at least one day prior to the seminar.
LOCATION: Alpine Shire Council Chamber, 2 Churchill Avenue (just off Great Alpine Road), Bright
CONTACT: Sara Bailey on 03 5755 0522 or sarab@alpineshire.vic.gov.au
BUSINESS PLANNING BASICS SEMINAR
Wednesday 30 May 2012, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Plan to succeed in business!
This practical business planning seminar will point your business in the right direction. Ideal for both new business owners and those thinking about starting a business you will learn how to write and implement a one page business plan and how to set goals that will put you on the track to success.
For more information, please download the flyer .
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$20.00 per person (light supper provided). This seminar is subsidised by the Alpine Shire and DBI. All seminar material will be provided.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
Register and pay via credit card at the Business Victoria website . Alternatively you can register and pay at the Alpine Shire office, 2 Churchill Avenue (just off Great Alpine Road), Bright. Please register at least one day prior to the seminar.
LOCATION: Myrtleford Council Chambers, Corner Standish and O'Donnell Avenue, Myrtleford
CONTACT: Sara Bailey on 03 5755 0522 or sarab@alpineshire.vic.gov.au
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SMALL BUSINESS VICTORIA'S MOBILE BUSINESS CENTRE COMING TO BRIGHT
The Victorian Government's Mobile Business Centre is delivered by Small Business Victoria, in collaboration with the Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS). The Mobile Business Centre provides free business mentoring and face-to-face assistance at many locations across Victoria.
Business mentors can help you to identify a clear direction for you and your business. Each mentoring session is 45 minutes long. A mentor will discuss your key business issues and priorities with you and provide an action plan to assist you to achieve your goals.
The mentors can advise you on:
· developing an effective marketing strategy
· developing a business plan
· costing and pricing your products or services
· calculating your break even point
· improving your cash-flow management
· identifying new opportunities and markets and how to research these
· improving the viability of your business or business idea
· improving your internet marketing.
All mentors are volunteers with SBMS and have extensive experience in small business. The mentors have run a successful small business or have been in a company at a senior level involved with small business. Their skills include marketing, finance, human resources, sales and specialist industry knowledge. All mentors have a strong desire to pass on this knowledge to help your business grow.
The Mobile Business Centre will be in Bright on Monday 28 May, located at the Mafeking Square/Clocktower roundabout at the corner of Ireland and Anderson Streets. Mentoring sessions are available to any local business in the Alpine Shire by appointment only; information on how to book and session times will be available on the Business Victoria website (http://www.business.vic.gov.au/BUSVIC/STANDARD/PC_63864.html) or call Business Victoria on 13 22 15.
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