Mountain Views
Tuesday, 21 June, 2022
Council welcomes kinder reforms
Arborists warn of ongoing storm damage
Tribute to Doctor Patricia Ellis
Delicious delights at Biggest Morning Tea
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A Star News Group Publication
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Brothers and General Managers at the Park Lane Group Joshua (left) and Luke (right) Hellings with a new tram accommodation project in the works. 285838 Picture: CALLUM LUDWIG
Tourism minister Martin Pakula with winery owner Helen Xu in front of the hotel accommodation. Picture: RENEE WOOD
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The State Government has toured the Yarra Valley on Wednesday 15 June, handing out funding to three businesses to boost tourism offerings. The biggest cash splash was for Helen & Joey Estate in Gruyere on Spring Lane, which received $3.5 million dollars from the State Government. Construction is currently underway for the project that will see a 16 room boutique accommodation, 110 seat restaurant, event and conference spaces and inviting landscape designs. It’s a major project that’s been on the cards for some time but the pandemic left a huge
hole on the funds to support it. Owner Helen Xu said the jobs will be doubled once the establishment is operating and further opportunities will be supported during the construction. “For the last two years, as everyone is saying we suffered a lot as a business and there were so many nights we lost a lot of sleep because we didn’t know what was going to end up,” Ms Xu said. Also on the funding list, the Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park in Healesville has been given $100,000 to add to the park’s own contribution towards the feasibility of a new aquatic centre, outdoor play areas, mountain
bike and walking trails, three-bedroom laketop cabins and more other accommodation. General Manager for the Park Lane Group Joshua Hellings said there is so much demand for tourism in the Yarra Ranges region. “We’re looking to make sure that we can cater to as many people as possible, and these fantastic new facilities will make sure they have a fantastic time while they are here,” he said. “We’re working with an award-winning sustainability builder in Breathe Architecture to ensure whatever we do is going to complement the environment and complement the aesthetics of the property, while making sure that they
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are as functional and as good as possible.” Yarra Valley Gourmet Foods (YVGF) in Seville has also been supported with $240,000 to provide tourism opportunities such as transforming one of their kitchens into a space for visitors to pick produce, come inside for a cooking class and make their own products. Owner of YVGF Jacqui Harvey said the project is all about authenticity. “Our core values are about creating premium condiments using the best local and Australian produce so where we can grow our own or use as much local produce as we can, we absolutely will do that,” she said. For more on the projects, turn to pages 6-7
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