RCoW Council shouts summit

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle 25.08.08

THE Rural City of Wangaratta is to contribute $5000 towards a food and wine industry summit to be held at Milawa later this year.

The money will come from the council’s Special Events funding program on the recommendation of the tourism advisory board.

The summit is aimed as a networking opportunity for small regional companies involved in the food and wine industry.

It was first convened last year by Victorian food and wine luminary, Alla Wolf-Tasker, at Lake House at Daylesford.

The summit has the financial support of Tourism Victoria ($2000) and Regional Development Victoria ($16,000), and according to the report presented to councillors last Tuesday, "is considered to be a significant new addition to the state food and wine tourism calendar".

"The summit will bring a range of company representatives to the North East, enabling them to experience the region thereby increasing the profile and tourism numbers in the future.

"Benefits to the Rural City of Wangaratta include raising the profile of the Milawa Gourmet Region as a significant player in regional food and wine tourism and the tourism impact of the event during mid-week in an off-period," the report said.

A local organising committee will include representatives from the city council, Brown Brothers, Lindenwarrah, the Milawa Gourmet Region and other local businesses.

Up to 100 people are expected to attend the summit, which will be held on October 20 and 21.