Since losing funding from Federation Shire after 10 years, Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business has sharpened its focus on increasing visitation through tourism, while supporting the growth of local business.
“It’s all intertwined, they relate to each other,” CEO Nathan Bibby said.
“To make that transition we need to attract bigger partners and more funding from local investors and businesses ... and that’s become more prevalent since the decision was made by Federation.”
For Yarrawonga Health CEO, Robyn Haberecht, it’s an investment that makes sense to benefit one of her organisation’s biggest challenges, which is attracting good staff.
She sees the decision to become an active member of Yarrawonga and Mulwala Tourism and Business as “very sensible and strategic”.
“We attract staff to live and work in Yarrawonga, who might live here or in Mulwala,” Ms Haberecht said.
“It’s about access to what Yarrawonga and Mulwala have to offer tourists, visitors, or for new people coming into town.
“Business, housing, relationships, social capacity - all of those things are really important for us to attract new people.”
Mr Bibby said the tourism organisation was already making the shift away from the Tourism Information Centre and towards economic development before losing $50,000 in annual funding from Federation Council.
“There is a need to shift from an information centre to an organisation that supports the region to promote business growth and economic development,” he said.
“Yarrawonga Health was the first to jump on with a Platinum membership.
“They got on board the day after we launched; they could see what was going on.”
The next proposal is for a Next Generation Partnership, to be outlined at a member stakeholder night at the Tourism Information Centre on June 17.
Memberships to Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business range from $100 to $5,000 per year with a range of benefits to suit individuals, businesses, organisations and major investors.
For more information email tourism@yarrawongamulwala.com.au.
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