Ballentine to grow tourism

Yarriambiack Shire Council deputy mayor Helen Ballentine is the new leader of Wimmera Mallee Tourism.

Cr Ballentine was an inaugural member of the group, which first came together as a steering committee in 2008.

The organisation promotes tourism in Yarriambiack, Buloke, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera shires.

Cr Ballentine said Wimmera Mallee Tourism prided itself on the region’s camping, caravanning, bed and breakfast-style accommodation, hotel and motel options.

“We are now an established body with a track record of promoting the region, particularly through caravan and camping shows and more recently with exposure on the international travel show Travel Oz,” she said.

“We never oversell our region, but rather, we like to highlight the peaceful environments, the birds and nature, plus the very affordable and clean facilities.”

Cr Ballentine said Wimmera Mallee Tourism had developed information-rich resources to showcase the region, including a popular regional map and brochures for camping and four-wheel driving.

She said the organisation also sought to further expand its influence through its ‘intuitive and informative’ website, photo-video competition, Facebook page and by better collaboration with neighbouring tourism regions.

“The Wimmera-mallee attracts a multitude of people who enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises and are calmed by the tranquility of the lakes, creeks, rivers and weirs,” she said.

National Park activities, most popular from March to November, showcase the large variety of wildflowers and native animals found in the region; hence Wimmera Mallee Tourism‘s slogan, ‘Victoria’s Wild West’.

Wimmera Mallee Tourism is researching the purchase of drone equipment to better document the region’s often-changing landscapes.

Cr Ballentine encouraged people with tourism opportunities in the Wimmera and Mallee to message Wimmera Mallee Tourism’s website, www.wimmeramalleetourism.com.au, or Facebook page.