Treasures to hit stands

By DION TEASDALE
A COMMUNITY project to create a tourist brochure showcasing the hidden treasures of the Upper Yarra is nearing completion.
The brochure, titled ‘Valley of Hidden Treasures Exploring the Warburton Highway’, is the brainchild of a group of Warburton locals who wanted to promote the Upper Yarra area.
Owner of the Warburton Post Office Norman Orr, one of the members of the group who has been working on the project since September 2003, said the brochure would come to fruition next month.
“The brochure is at the printers as we speak and should be ready by the end of August,” he said.
“We are looking at holding a launch in September and we’ll be inviting all the advertisers and community members who have been involved.”
Mr Orr said the steering committee behind the brochure was hoping the launch would include a showcase of local businesses and become an opportunity for tourism operators in the area to network.
He said the group was producing 40,000 copies of the 24page full colour brochure, which promotes attractions and businesses from Wandin to Warburton, and was hoping to distribute it across Victoria.
“What we wanted to produce right from the beginning was a smart, professional and informative publication that highlights the sights, tastes, accommodation and attractions along the Warburton Highway,” he said.
“I haven’t seen the final design yet, but the word is it looks fantastic. I’ve been told it is a very classy magazine.”
Mr Orr said the magazine had been strongly supported by The Upper Yarra and Warburton Tourism Association, the Warburton Chamber of Commerce, Warburton Online and the Warburton Community Bank.