Update number 33! Is three a lucky number, like eight is for Chinese people? I damn well hope so, because the news of a few Covid cases in Victoria is making me nervous. Thanks a bunch NSW.
Anyway, just a quick update this time around.
Goodbye Naz
First up, Narenna. She’s been with us for a couple of years and has done an outstanding job, but is (sadly) flying the coop. I know that many of you have got to know her well over the last couple of years and recognise the great work she did to promote the region and your businesses. Please join me in wishing her the very best.
However, the good news is that I’m pleased to say that we have teed up an exceptional person to fill the role. I will share her details soon…we haven’t signed contracts and all that boring stuff yet, but I want you to know that she is a bit of a star. Stay tuned!
Regional Event support
There’s a new event fund out: the Regional Community Events Fund. Eligible applicants for the new fund will include public event organisers, and direct venue operators. Eligible events could include community festivals, rodeos, art shows, and other smaller-scale events that strengthen the community and showcase our vibrant regions. Applications open later this month…please keep an eye on the Regional Development Victoria website for updates.
Conference
Ticket sales for our Annual Conference are cracking along nicely, thanks to the stellar lineup. Running a conference is a bit like having a house party…you get all nervous that no one will come. Fortunately, this will not be the case. It’s a little over a month away so please don’t hesitate – get your tickets ASAP. A program will be released shortly but as our ‘teaser’ emails say, we have Yvonne Adele and Liz Ward as the two keynotes and it’s worth coming just to see one of them, let alone both! There are lots of other great presenters too. Tickets are available here
Survey
Thanks! We’ve had a great response to this too. We have close to enough responses to make it ‘statistically valid’ (if my hazy memory from Statistical Analysis classes at Uni is accurate) but could always do with more. Dive in here to have your say on DMT and the future of regional tourism. Survey Monkey is awesome and it tells me that the average time to complete is six minutes. I said five, so that’s not bad.
Me
In May I shared the fact that I have somehow managed to get bowel cancer. This was an annoying turn of events as you can imagine, but I was overwhelmed by the messages of love and support – thank you. A lot of you have been in touch checking in. Well, the latest news is that as of today I finished my 25-day course of radiotherapy and chemo tablets. Weirdly I had absolutely no side effects (take the wins I say) and have been working full time which is great because it’s flat out here. Anyway, I will probably have to have a few weeks off for another surgery and then possibly a bit more time off for treatment, but we are at the pointy end of recruiting a consultant to fill in for me as needed.
Watch this space.
Also…The region is busy which is great (we shared the stats a week or so ago). So you know, we are continuing to work with the state govt to put things in place to help solve this very painful staff shortage issue. Fun fact: ‘Attracting/Retaining staff’ is the biggest challenge facing business according to our survey…this is why it’s useful…gives me data to use for lobbying! 50% of you said this was the number one issue you‘re facing. The next is ‘Lack of Time’ at 42%. I guess they’re sorta related…
Until next time…
Steve and the DMT Team
