Barbara Moore from the Beulah Progress Association said around 80 people are seeking accommodation in the two towns as well as Warracknabeal.

In November, Film Victoria announced The Dry, based on the mystery novel of the same name by Jane Harper, would be filmed in regional Victoria. The following month, actor Eric Bana visited Minyip to scout for locations.

Ms Moore said they had been helping the film company behind the production, Made Up Stories, investigate locations around the Yarriambiack Shire which could be used in the film. Representatives of Made Up Stories said they had no information to share “at this stage”.

Ms Moore said residents of the towns are also being sought as extra cast members. She said they would make donations to Beulah and Minyip Progress Associations as a way of awarding those who took part in the film as extras.

Related: Feature Film The Dressmaker comes to the Wimmera

“They originally planned to give them to organisations such as bowls clubs, but because in small towns everyone is in everything, I said why not make a donation to the progress association?” she said.

“Then it can be spread to where it’s needed. I think the amount depends on how many people are involved from each town.”

Looking further ahead, Yarriambiack Shire Mayor Graeme Massey said he expected tourism to the region to rise once the film was released.

“We believe the filming here is going to take about four to six weeks,” Cr Massey said.

“It’s a fact of life people like to go see places where films have been shot. We’re very lucky they’re looking at places and buildings in our area to flesh out a story.”