New regional tourism body chair appointed

THE region has a new peak tourism body with the announcement that Tourism Midwest Victoria will seek to increase the number of visitors to the City of Ballarat, as well as Golden Plains, Moorabool, Pyrenees, and Hepburn shires.

At the same time it was revealed that former State Government minister, and Labor MP for Dandenong, John Pandazopoulos has been appointed the body’s board chair.

“It is the diversity of the people and places that exist across regional Victoria that shape the quintessential Victorian experience,” he said.

“I see the region as a core part of Australia’s story. These lands have been nurtured and cared for by many First Nations communities and we continue to learn from their resilience and creativity.

“The region is also recognised as one of Victoria’s better known foodie meccas, with a long history of culture and crafts which continues to be shaped by the many talented chefs, producers, creatives, and smart businesspeople operating across all five LGAs.

“This is a welcoming region, with a willingness to do more for its visitors. We are well placed to shape a better and sustainable economy.”

TMV’s board is set to include five directors from the tourism sector and the and five municipal CEOs or their authorised delegates.

A State Government representative is set to observe.

Ballarat Regional Tourism is merging with the new body, which will initially focus on creating a destination management plan.

“We are excited… and trust John and the team will continue our shared vision of positioning Ballarat and its surrounding regions as a leading tourism destination in Victoria,” BRT chair Paul Martino said.