The Andrews Labor Government’s new Regional Events Fund is set to help our regions attract and stage the events that bring visitors in their thousands.
The $20 million Fund, part of the Victorian Budget 2016/17, will ensure regional centres and towns across Victoria can showcase their strengths to visitors from Victoria, Australia and the world.
Acting Premier James Merlino today joined Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren in Bendigo for a tour of the Bendigo Hockey Complex and the Bendigo Art Gallery – both hosting key regional events this year.
Regional Victoria’s sporting, cultural and entertainment calendar creates great opportunities for local restaurants, cafes and motels, and that means jobs and growth. That’s why we want to grow our calendar and boost our status as a world-class destination.
In November, the Bendigo Hockey Complex will host Australia’s hockey superstars, the men’s Kookaburras, who will take on India in two test matches as part of the International Festival of Hockey Tournament.
The event will also feature a women’s tournament between Australia’s Hockeyroos and the Indian national team in Melbourne, along with a men’s tournament featuring Australia, Malaysia and India. A fourth team is yet to be announced.
It is exclusive to Victoria – taking place in Melbourne and Bendigo – and is expected to attract up to 7,300 interstate and international visitors to the state.
The Bendigo Art Gallery’s exhibition celebrating the life of legendary Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe has drawn huge crowds, with latest figures indicating that 83,000 tickets have been sold.
The tourism industry is a crucial economic driver for regional Victoria, with the sector contributing $11.5 billion to the regional economy and generating 114,400 jobs.
The Labor Government is helping hard-working communities across Victoria promote regional centres, partnering with event organisers and community groups to attract sought-after international and domestic events, establish new events and help events grow.
We recently unveiled Wander Victoria, the bold new campaign encouraging Melburnians to turn to regional Victoria. The Budget also provides $38 million over two years for Visit Victoria to showcase our state to the world.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“There is a wealth of truly magical experiences in regional Victoria, and we want visitors from all over the world to see for themselves the best of everything our regions offer.”
“So many regional Victorian families depend on a thriving tourism industry, and our Regional Events Fund will secure the events that attract visitors to all corners of the state all year round.”
Quotes attributable to Acting Premier, James Merlino
“International and interstate visitors keep our restaurants busy, our hotels full and our economy strong. That’s why we’re working hard to grow our world-class calendar of major events right across the state.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“Victorians love watching the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos wear the green and gold. This is a rare chance to see our nation’s top players against the best in the world, right here in Bendigo.”
"Our reputation for hosting major international sporting events is growing and this event will boost our economy as well as showcasing what Bendigo has to offer."
Quotes attributable to City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe
“Bendigo is a much sought after destination for major events and we have extensive experience hosting a range of international sporting events over many years.”
"People support international sporting events when they are held in Bendigo. We appreciate the Andrews Labor Government’s support for Bendigo as the regional host of the test series: it's great news for local hockey, sporting enthusiasts and the wider Greater Bendigo region."
Reviewed 19 August 2020