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May 9 2024

Date

Dear all,

Trust all is well with you. Can you remember an autumn more beautiful than this?

We have a bumper email for you this time. No fluff, lots of opportunities.

This week’s budget was as tough as expected and while we await details around program funding for FY25, tourism boards’ core funding is confirmed. However, the cuts to Visit Victoria’s marketing spend took many of us aback. I have the utmost confidence that they’ll continue to deliver.

But, we are facing challenging times…which brings me to the DMT Annual Conference. Held at Macedon Ranges Hotel & Spa in Mt Macedon on June 25th, this conference theme is ‘Growth Mindset in Uncertain Times’. This will be our best conference yet and there’s more detail below. I urge you to come along as we’ve got a great lineup.

It’s a bit of a strange economic landscape…we are seeing a lot of pressure out there and yet unemployment remains low, meaning the workforce issues persist. In response, VTIC is holding a Careers Expo which will connect employers with those seeking a career in the tourism and hospitality sector. We have shared details on behalf of VTIC.

We also feature a couple of very exciting business opportunities in iconic spots in our beautiful region. There are calls for Expressions of Interest detailed further down.

More below…

Daylesford Macedon Tourism’s Annual Conference – June 25th, Mt Macedon

Consumer confidence is down, demand and visitation are mixed, some businesses are flying while others are facing stress…and we really don’t know what the next year or two holds in store economically. This landscape has shaped the theme of our 2024 conference: ‘Growth Mindset in Uncertain Times’.

Thanks to support from the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, the team at the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, and Tourism Australia, we have managed to secure some (literally) world-class speakers. What I can promise you is this: you will come away better equipped to face what challenges lie ahead…both in mindset and skillset.

We have shared a couple of ‘Save the Date’ emails, and now we have a landing page up, featuring some of the speakers and the opportunity to get your tickets. We’re capping it at 100 spots, so please don’t dilly dally as we’ve worked hard to get some of the best minds in the sector.

Check it out and get your tickets here. Ticket prices are heavily subsidised thanks to the support of our sponsors.

Choose Tourism Careers Expo

The Choose Tourism Careers Expo will showcase the dynamic and diverse career pathways that exist in the tourism and events industry. To be held on Tuesday 18 June 2024 at the Melbourne Showgrounds, don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to showcase your business, connect with top talent, and shape the future of the Victorian tourism and events industry.

Supported by the Federal and Victorian State Governments this inaugural one-day event will bring together key employers and training providers to promote the virtues of a long and purposeful career in the sector.

The expo will:

  • Inform prospective employees of the different careers that exist;
  • Highlight different career pathways;
  • Showcase training and micro-credentialing opportunities; and
  • Assist in filling immediate skill gaps within your business.

To find out more and to get involved visit: Choose Tourism Careers Expo 2024 Prospectus

Business Opportunities

Opportunities to run two iconic hospitality venues in the region are out, with RFPs/EOIs currently open.

The first is one of Hepburn Shire’s oldest and most unique food and beverage venues: Hepburn Pavilion. Next to the Hepburn Bathhouse in the beautiful Hepburn Reserve, this business is on a separate lease from the Bathhouse itself. To find out more, go here. Closes 31 May.

The other exciting opportunity is Mount Macedon Tearooms. Situated right near the Memorial Cross, Parks Vic is offering a lease term of between 10 and 21 years. It’s a stunning location. Interested parties can register on the Buying for Victoria portal (at no cost) to download the EOI Opportunity Document and register for a mandatory site inspection. The EOI is open until 20 June.

OK that’s it for now.
Cheers,
Steve Wroe (he/him)
CEO
Daylesford Macedon Tourism