THE Wimmera will go on show to thousands of people from across Victoria and beyond at next month's Regional Victoria Living Expo.
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Wimmera Development Association will use the expo in Melbourne to showcase the benefits of living in the Wimmera and to encourage people to move to the region.
The association's project officer Tammy McDonald said more than 10,000 people were expected to visit the event from April 11-13.
She said the association's focus at the expo would be to provide employment options for prospective residents.
"The region sells itself quite easily, the attractions are here to relocate," she said.
"We can sell the region in five minutes. All you've got to talk about is the travel times to work, the lifestyle benefits, the education for your children and the community benefits.
"It's just that we need to show them how they will then make a living in our region.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for those businesses that regularly have trouble filling places."
Mrs McDonald urged people with businesses for sale or employers with positions vacant to register their details with the association ahead of the event.
She said people at the expo could also register an expression of interest in a particular profession should any future positions become available.
Horsham Rural City Council, Yarriambiack Shire Council, Northern Grampians Shire Council, West Wimmera Shire Council, Hindmarsh Shire Council and Buloke Shire Council will all be represented at the expo.
West Wimmera Shire Council corporate and community development officer Heidi Gajic said the shire was looking forward to showcasing what it had to offer.
"We will be promoting the many benefits of relocating to our shire over the three-day expo," she said.
"As part of this promotion, we are gathering information on businesses for sale and employment opportunities in the region.
"The information received will be compiled into a leaflet and printed for distribution at the event."
Yarriambiack councillor Kylie Zanker said five people had moved to the shire in the past two years as a result of what they had learnt at the previous two expos.
"I think the thought in people's minds is that there's no professional options in the country," she said. "The expo helps to break down some of those myths. I just can't say enough positive things about it."
Susan Symonds and Ross O'Donnell relocated from Melbourne to Nhill more than a year ago after buying the Farmers Arms Hotel.
Ms Symonds said the expo played a key role in their decision to move.
"The slideshow was playing and I saw the Farmers Arms and said 'that's my pub'," she said.
The expo will be at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Mrs McDonald said people could call her on 5381 6503 or email info@wda.org.au to register their details.