Showcase cash set for region

THE Yarra Valley and The Dandenongs Marketing board (YV&TDM) has secured a last minute $30,000 grant to showcase the region at this year’s Royal Melbourne Show.
The funding comes after the State Government had previously decided not to fund the board.
The Yarra Valley was chosen out of all of Victoria to be the feature showcase at this year’s show but a change in priorities saw the State Government withdraw its support for domestic producers to focus on exports.
Luckily, Federal McEwen MP Fran Bailey was able to secure a funding agreement from Australian airline Qantas after the board put out a desperate plea for help. “I was extremely disappointed that the Department of Primary Industries refused to assist the group in showcasing our region,” Ms Bailey said.
“The Melbourne Show is a vital opportunity to show the whole of Victoria all of the wonderful attractions we have here in the Yarra Valley and one which could not be passed up,” Ms Bailey said.
State Seymour MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Ben Hardman said the group would have known from the beginning that the funding was not available. “The YV&TDM group would have been informed at inquiry stage that it was not eligible for funding through Regional Development Victoria because it is not classified as a rural area but falls within “interface” definitions,” Mr Hardman said.
Politics aside, YV&TDM CEO Jennifer Hutchison said it was a relief that the board had received the funding. “The money will help us showcase our local wine, horticulture and tourism businesses to more than 55,000 people,” Ms Hutchison said.
“This is a such a great marketing opportunity for our region.”