Major events will boost local economy

Proposals to stage major events in Gippsland could boost the region’s economy by as much as $59 million a year, according to Destination Gippsland.

The region has already been identified to host some events in the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Bowls Victoria has signed an agreement to stage the Victorian Bowls Open in Gippsland for the next five years.

Destination Gippsland chief executive officer Terry Robinson said Events Gippsland, formed 18 months ago and supported by the Latrobe Valley Authority and with the collaboration of the regions six local government councils, had already backed seven events that have attracted new visitors.

He said projections were that events could increase visitor numbers to Gippsland by about 105,000 who would each spend an average of two nights.

The Victorian Bowls Open alone would bring about 4000 players and spectators for competitions at 20 bowls clubs from Drouin to Sale over eight days, Mr Robinson stated.

He said he believed Events Gippsland was the first organisation of its type in Australia joined forces across such a wide area to boost visitations, promote the region’s brand and reduce the reliance on seasonal visits.

Initiatives to boost the attraction of Gippsland for events will include an Events School to develop skills, expertise and leadership for sustainable events, an ambassador program and an events volunteer pool.

Mr Robinson said recent research in Gippsland indicated that three-quarters of event attendees would not have visited but for the event and the reason that 69 per cent were repeat visitors.