The Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians is experiencing a unique and exciting opportunity. 

The region is home to major events on a regular basis, however, the weekend’s boom of sporting tournaments and fundraisers attracting thousands of people to our region was an economic, tourism and branding win. 

With accommodation and hospitality bookings in high demand, it might have left some parties disappointed. 

However, the alternative offered a melting pot of visitors, experiences and opportunities to showcase all the region has to offer to a broad and captive audience. 

Its economic injection, amid a week that brought yet another rate rise for mortgage holders, was significant and the ‘branding’ opportunities to showcase the region for return visitors and potentially even new residents offer enthusiasm and hope. 

It’s no secret that in order for the region to thrive into the future, it must grow – in terms of population, housing, infrastructure and services. 

There are no quick fixes. 

Concerted efforts for continued improvements, and celebrating and enhancing the region’s liveability can offer a compelling case for existing and potential future residents to love where they live, and celebrate those reasons with others. 

To be ambassadors for the region. 

The Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians faces hot competition with other Victorian growth areas, so recognising and honouring existing assets such as nature-based tourism, activities and experiences and the region’s relaxed lifestyle is key. 

Connection caught short 

Mere hours after filing last week’s editorial copy, Optus customers were plunged into an hours-long outage. It was ironic, considering the editorial and a related news article discussed the importance of mobile phone connection in the wake of an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, ACCC, report whose recommendations included access to mobile towers, consumer experiences, and the feasibility of temporary mobile roaming during natural disasters. 

The editorial argued that while improved connectivity during emergencies was a step in the right direction, reliable mobile phone connectivity remains a daily challenge for many residents across the region. 

The copy quickly became equal parts out-of-date, and emphasised its relevance amid challenges impacting millions of individual and business customers nationally. 

The outage highlighted society’s increasing reliance on connectivity, including internet-driven and Cloud-based technology solutions; and the need for connectivity to meet and safeguard demand. 

The entire November 15, 2023 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!