)URP OLWWOH WKLQJV ELJ WKLQJV JURZ

The Wimmera continues to reap the rewards of +orsham 0otorcycle Club’s mamor events with this weekend’s landmark World -unior 0otocross Championship to provide more than $1 million to the economy. It will be the first international motocross tournament hosted in $ustralia with 25 teams of five riders on the entry list. +orsham 5ural City Council Chief ([ecutive Sunil Bhalla said the three-day event at 'ooen was estimated to bring $1 million from visitors staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants and shopping. “When you add the support crews involved with each team it adds up to about 500 international visitors and more than 1000 domestic fans are also e[pected to descend on the Wimmera,´ 0r Bhalla said. “(conomic modelling based on conservative attendance figures (3,500 day-trip visitors, 700 domestic overnight visitors and 300 international visitors indicates a direct economic output of $1 million. This etuates to an average daily visitor spend of $224. With industrial and flow-on effects, the total impact of the event is estimated at $1.7 million. “International riders, their families and support crew have already arrived and you will see them out and about. 0any of the teams will spend eight to 10 days here. “There has been a rush on accommodation in the region and that’s great news. “Council invests in big events like these to bring people to our city, that’s why it’s important we continue to contribute to these events,´ he said. 0r Bhalla said the championship was an opportunity to promote the Wimmera. “The championships will be live streamed around the world, giving us the chance to show the Wimmera’s tourism strengths,´ he said. 0ayor 3am Clarke said the event would involve hundreds of community volunteers, with the support of Council staff. “This event is an e[cellent e[ample of the 3aul .elly lyric µfrom little things, big things grow’,´ Cr Clarke said. “+orsham 0otorcycle Club is a small notfor-profit group and over the past 20 years, it has worked incredibly hard to raise the profile of motocross. “The club has continually upgraded the Tuality of the motocross track and support facilities to a level that is suitable to host state, $ustralian and now global events. “It’s been a huge effort. They all need to be commended,´ Cr Clarke said.