HOPETOUN accommodation is booked out a year ahead of a state farming event that will draw hundreds of women from across Victoria.
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The town will host the 27th Victorian Women on Farms Gathering in March.
Yarriambiack Shire councillor Helen Ballentine said the town’s accommodation was already booked out for the event.
‘‘It was booked out the day after we accepted the offer to host,’’ she said.
‘‘The event has really loyal supporters and it has been running since 1990.
‘‘It’s great though, because it gives us an indication about how to plan, and confidence that people will come.’’
Cr Ballentine said the town was asked if it wanted to host the 2016 event.
‘‘I spoke with staff at Gateway BEET to see if there was any interest and we decided we could manage something like this,’’ she said.
‘‘We have drawn up an accommodation list, which includes surrounding towns, and we are still looking for home billets and more accommodation.’’
The Women on Farms Gathering includes workshops, tours and entertainment.
Cr Ballentine said the event was an opportunity to showcase the town.
‘‘It will give us an economic boost,’’ she said.
‘‘Hopefully, some of our farming women will come along as well, because it will give them the chance to see what happens at a Women on Farms Gathering.
‘‘It’s also great for tourism because people get to come to a town they wouldn’t usually visit and, if they like what they see, they will come back.’’
Cr Ballentine said the highlight of the gatherings was the social element.
‘‘People create friendships with people right across the state,’’ he said.
‘‘It is wonderful to have that network and links.
‘‘It’s going to be such an inspirational event.’’
Cr Ballentine attended the 26th Victorian Women on Farms Gathering at Healesville last month.
‘‘I went on a few tours and was there for dinner on the Saturday night,’’ she said.
‘‘It was nice to be there as a guest.
‘‘I hope we can provide a range of tours when people come to Hopetoun because we have lots of things we are proud of.’’
The committee is now looking for sponsorship for the event.
‘‘We’ve had some generous offers already, such as a Hopetoun butcher who has said he will cook a spit roast,’’ Cr Ballentine said.
‘‘But we are looking for a few more sponsors.’’
Cr Ballentine said planning would occur for the next 12 months.
‘‘I’m sure we will have a lot of fun though,’’ she said.
‘‘To be on the committee for this sort of event will really bring out everyone’s creative side.’’