Tourism Midwest Victoria (TMV) is thrilled to reveal its plans to launch as a ground-breaking partnership between industry, and local and state governments, to boost regional visitation.
As Midwest Victoria’s new peak tourism body, TMV will be focused on driving visitation to the City of Ballarat and the Pyrenees, Moorabool, Golden Plains (south of Ballarat to Rokewood), and Hepburn (Creswick and Clunes) shires.
Its aim is to position the region as one of Victoria’s premier tourism destinations, showcasing its unique attractions, rich history, and vibrant community.
In another pivotal announcement, TMV is pleased to confirm the appointment of the Honourable John Pandazopoulos as its inaugural and independent Chair following a rigorous and transparent recruitment process.
Mr Pandazopoulos has more than 30 years public sector experience as a Member of Parliament, State Minister, Mayor, and Board Member of Statutory Corporations developing, advocating and implementing public policy and investment.
Mr Pandazopoulos has officially taken the helm of the TMV board and will be charged with providing the organisation with leadership and governance, and oversight of the strategic operations.
The board will have strong regional representation including five Industry Partner Directors representing different skills, experiences and backgrounds; and five CEOs or authorised delegates from the relevant councils. A state government representative will observe the board.
TMV’s dual announcement comes in response to the Victorian Government’s plans to transition Victoria’s existing Regional Tourism Boards (RTB) to a new network of Visitor Economy Partnerships (VEPs).
VEPs are the result of the government’s Regional Tourism Review and Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan, which provides actions to address challenges and opportunities within the regional tourism market.
VEPs aim to enhance and strengthen boards so each entity has the structure, resources, strategy and scale to perform its role.
Ballarat Regional Tourism (BRT), which played a key role as the region’s interim RTB while the partners worked together to respond to the state government’s new model, represented industry at the co-design process to ensure members had a voice at the table.
BRT will now merge with new tourism body TMV, which will absorb BRT’s core role of representing industry and supporting the growth of the visitor economy.
Key TMV deliverables include a Destination Management Plan (DMP), which will be a critical seven-year strategic plan for the region.
The DMP will deliver actions to support the tourism industry’s continued recovery from the pandemic and help build resilience.
The City of Ballarat’s Visitor Economy Unit will resource the operational work of TMV, and Executive Manager Visitor Economy Sarah Pilgrim will continue to oversee the operations.
The Victoria Government’s new VEP network means TMV will be fiscally supported through a combination of state government funding, local government budget cycles of the partner councils, and industry partner contributions.
Tourism and hospitality businesses in Midwest Victoria are being urged to sign up as TMV Industry Partners to access vital information, support and opportunities with no initial membership subscription cost.
To stay up to date on TMV news, follow Tourism Midwest Victoria on LinkedIn, or visit: tourismmidwestvic.com.au
For media enquiries relating to Tourism Midwest Victoria and the inaugural Chair appointment contact hello@tourismmidwestvic.com.au
Quote attributable to Tourism Midwest Victoria Chair John Pandazopoulos
“For me, regional tourism is the essence of what Victoria is. People know about Melbourne, but it is the diversity of the people and places that exist across regional Victoria that shape the quintessential Victorian experience.
Just look at Midwest Victoria – I see the region as a core part of Australia’s story. These lands have been nurtured and cared for by many first nations communities and we continue to learn from their resilience and creativity. The region is also recognised as one of Victoria’s better known foodie meccas, with a long history of culture and crafts which continues to be shaped by the many talented chefs, producers, creatives and smart businesspeople operating across all five LGAs.
That’s what attracts me to the new VEP model. It provides us with an opportunity to create something that transforms and captures the broader region of Midwest Victoria to give visitors a new reason to visit and stay longer – after all, tourism is about sharing the places we love and cherish with others.
One of our first tasks will be delivering a Destination Management Plan for the region that explains where the opportunities lie to improve visitation and set a common vision that is supported by the whole community.
This is a welcoming region, with a willingness to do more for its visitors. With this, we are well placed to shape a better and sustainable economy. Let’s roll up our sleeves and build this new entity together to ensure Midwest Victoria’s tourism businesses have the ultimate chance of success.”
Quote attributable to Tourism Midwest Victoria Executive Manager Sarah Pilgrim
“On behalf of Tourism Midwest Victoria, I’m immensely proud of our journey and partnership with industry and local government to this point, as we joined forces to respond to the state government’s new funding model.
“Our shared story is only just beginning, so if you’re a tourism-related business in Midwest Victoria, make sure you sign-up to become a TMV Industry Partner to reap the range of benefits on offer.
“With strength in numbers, let’s all join forces and work together to put Tourism Midwest Victoria on the map; creating memorable experiences, fostering economic prosperity, and showcasing the immense potential of our region.”
Quote attributable to Ballarat Regional Tourism Chair Paul Martino
“What an incredible journey this has been. We are grateful for the opportunity to have represented the visitor economy industry in Ballarat and its surrounding areas during the formation of the state’s first Visitor Economy Partnership.
Ballarat Regional Tourism was able to effectively represent and advocate for industry through the hard work and dedication of our CEO Sarah Myers and Project Officer Julia Antonetti. On behalf of the outgoing Board, I would like to thank them for their unwavering dedication through this transition period.
We are excited about the future of Tourism Midwest Victoria and trust John and the team will continue our shared vision of positioning Ballarat and its surrounding regions as a leading tourism destination in Victoria.”
Quote attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson
“It is exciting to see the establishment of Tourism Midwest Victoria under the leadership of the Honourable John Pandazopoulos as its inaugural Chair.
This new tourism partnership gives Ballarat the best chance of boosting our tourism numbers by offering visitors a unique regional experience that crosses and extends beyond local government boundaries.”
Quote attributable to Golden Plains Shire Council Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble
“Golden Plains Shire Council welcomes the appointment of Mr John Pandazopoulos to lead the first board of Tourism Midwest Victoria.
Golden Plains Shire is excited to be part of the Visitor Economy Partnership, which gives us an additional avenue to promote tourism in the northern part of the shire. The partnership helps us promote key tourism assets like the Ballarat Skipton Rail Trail, to enhance visitation and usage of the trail which also supports surrounding townships.”
Quote attributable to Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Brian Hood
“Hepburn Shire Council is very pleased that John Pandazopoulos has been appointed as the independent board Chair to lead the first board of Tourism Midwest Victoria.
With a career spanning across state government, including as Minister for Tourism and Major Events, his vast experience in the tourism and visitor economy sectors holds him in good stead to generate outstanding outcomes for the partnership and our region.”
Quote attributable to Moorabool Shire Council Mayor Cr Ron Ward
“It’s very pleasing a board Chair has been appointed. Moorabool Shire Council is looking forward to working with John and the board in this partnership to achieve great economic and community outcomes in the tourism space for our shire.”
Quote attributable to Pyrenees Shire Council Mayor Cr Ron Eason
“Pyrenees Shire Council is delighted to hear of the appointment of John Pandazopoulos as Chairperson for the newly emerging regional tourism body, Tourism Midwest Victoria.
Tourism is a critically important contributor to the economies of our small towns and we look forward to being involved in this new partnership. John’s experience in tourism and connections within government will be a great benefit to getting the partnership off to a strong start.”