15 October 2009

 

Planning for Heritage Weekend 2010 Underway

Central Goldfields Shire community group representatives, Councillors and enthusiastic shire residents packed the Council Chambers on Monday, 5 October to discuss plans for an inaugural Heritage Weekend, proposed for next year.

The aim of the proposed event is to celebrate and promote the great heritage offerings available in Central Goldfields Shire, and it addresses key objectives in Council's new plan - the promotion of our cultural heritage; and the development of tourism.

A number of ideas were voiced at the meeting regarding what people envisaged the event could entail, such as: food and wine offerings in heritage homes; vintage engine exhibitions; family history activities; museum displays; heritage walks, cemetery visits and arts events.

Cr John Smith said he was delighted with the level of interest and enthusiasm displayed at the meeting. "It really shows what great heritage and related tourism products we have in the shire and the willingness of groups to work together" he said.

Some suggestions were made for an extended event and the possibility of linking with other heritage events such as National Heritage Week and steam train visits.

Already operating in the shire is "A Taste of Gold" - a group of business operators committed to showcasing fine food, wine and accommodation. This group is currently planning a Heritage Weekend for 17 and 18 April 2010. The consensus at the October meeting was that this event would provide a great base to expand from.

All organisations and individuals are encouraged to be part of Heritage Weekend 2010 and have until mid November to notify the Council's Tourism Manager, Joel Chadwick of their interest and commitment to run a self managed event or activity.

Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Chris Meddows-Taylor said the meeting showed what ‘achieving together' can deliver.  

"We have wonderful things in this shire and it will be good to showcase them to others, build our local economy, create some wonderful events we can all enjoy and have fun in the process.

"Heritage Weekend 2010 is off to a great start" he said.

Media contact: Joel Chadwick, Tourism Manager, Central Goldfields Shire Council, 03 5461 1826