Review hooks visitor energy

HARNESSING enthusiasm for visitor growth is tipped to come from a Loddon tourism review.

Loddon Valley Tourism’s visitor servicing and marketing plan is being updated in the review by council staff, tourism industry operators and community.

Manager tourism and economic development David Stretch said the project would have Loddon Shire in the best position for visitor economy growth.

“In 2022 council resolved to conduct a comprehensive review of visitor servicing,” he said,

“It’s important council provides a contemporary approach to supporting our tourism industry businesses as well as visitors to the Loddon Valley at this time, as visitor numbers continue to increase post COVID and regional flooding in 2022.

“We want to make sure Loddon is well-positioned and ready to capitalise on growing visitor numbers, as well as ensuring we take full advantage of major regional opportunities such as the Goldfields World Heritage bid and the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”

The review involves surveying tourism industry stakeholders and participants, assessing websites and digital tourism, as well analysing the effectiveness of visitor sites around the shire.

“Ultimately, this project will

David Stretch

not only support increased visitation, but will clarify council’s role in supporting community tourism committees, industry operators, staff and volunteers,” Mr Stretch said.

“Our team is designing exciting, seasonal campaigns, while working with stakeholders to better present and promote our natural attractions and experiences.

“The passion and commitment of local community organisations and operators is substantial, but we need to better harness that enthusiasm, which this work will assist in allowing us to do,” Mr Stretch said.

The council review has included surveys asking respondents what they “love about the Loddon Valley”.

Young faces take over historic town store

NIC and Kasey Davis have become just the 18th owners of the historic Newbridge Store in almost 170 years.

They move into the area with strong local connections - Kasey’s parents live nearby and Nic has been playing football with Newbridge for the last three seasons.

They paid tribute to 20-year owners Darryl