Regional tourism a focus for Council

PREPARING THE WAY FOR REGIONAL TOURISM... Sharlene Putman, team leader, Tourism and Major Events, Greater Shepparton City Council and Ingrid Thomas, chair, Tourism Greater Shepparton at the Visitor Economy Industry luncheon. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

A COLLECTION of Shepparton business owners sat down on Monday at the Woolshed venue in Kialla and listened to speakers associated with tourism in Greater Shepparton outlined what has been happening over the past twelve months and what is offered for the future.

Peter Hill, chair of MOVE and CEO of Kreskas Bros Transport, provided an update on the construction of the new motor museum and some of the features that will be aiming at attracting new tourism and business. The expanded facility with its catering capacity is already being sought out as a venue to launch new vehicle models in the future.

SAM is complete and Kaye Thomson, director Community at Greater Shepparton City Council (GSCC), provided details on some of the current offerings with Kaiela Art now getting settled in the new building as well as the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre being prepared as it moves from its current location. The art works in the existing SAM gallery have been packed for transport and will soon undergo the short journey to its new home with an opening planned for October.

To anyone moving about the CBD, they will be aware of major works in progress in Maude Street and Vaughan Street. Michael Carrafa, team leader, Business and Industry Development with GSCC updated the meeting about current projects, in particular the Maude Street Mall that is now construction ready and should be taking shape once the bus interchange has been finalised.

Ingrid Thomas, chair Tourism, Greater Sheppparton and owner of Fryers Street Food Store and Tellers restaurant in Fryers Street along with Sharlene Putman, team leader Tourism and Major Events at GSCC, provided an outline of some of the recurring and new events that are now being planned for this year, many having been carried over from last year’s hiatus.

The Shepparton Festival is once more being planned having been suspended on its opening in 2020 due to the COVID-19. Jamie Lea, creative director for the Festival provided an update on this year’s event, now being planned with light shows and a winter’s mood for its suspended 25th anniversary.