Wednesday 29 May 2024
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre and Precinct |
8.00am-9.00am |
Registration/Information Desk and Trade Exhibition open. Arrival tea and coffee in foyers, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre |
Session 1 |
Conference Day 2 – Plenary Sessions – Wagga Civic Theatre |
Welcome and Intro |
Zoe Naylor, Conference MC |
Ceremonial Welcome |
Welcome to Country |
LGNSW Welcome Address |
Cr Phyllis Miller OAM, Vice-President Rural/Regional, LGNSW |
Destination Host Council Welcome |
Mayoral Welcomes: Wagga Wagga City, Coolamon Shire and Junee Shire councils |
Panel Session with Q&A
Focus on Rural and Regional Events attracting tourism
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Festival of W – This festival is Wagga Wagga City Council’s largest destination event held in the depths of Winter in Wagga Wagga
Narooma Oyster Festival – presented by Cath Peachey, Chair of Narooma Rocks
Third presenter to be announced |
10.15am |
Morning refreshments and Trade served in foyers, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre |
Session 2 |
Keynote with Q&A
Destination Discovery: Data backed strategies for destination branding
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Mikey Taylor, CEO Lionize
Presentation will feature:
- Unpacking the initial data gathering process and its role in brand development.
- Community and stakeholder engagement: Building consensus and ownership.
- Real-world examples on how destinations have transformed data into a vibrant and evolving brand.
- Transitioning from data insights to effective communication strategies for attracting businesses, residents, and tourists.
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Session 3 |
Award Presentation
NSW Top Tourism Town Awards
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NSW Tourism Industry Council Powered by Business NSW
The NSW Tourism Industry Council helps businesses operating in the Visitor Economy maximise their potential to ensure New South Wales remains the number one tourism destination in Australia. |
12.30pm |
Lunch served in foyers, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre |
1.30pm |
Delegates for site visits assemble at main entrance of Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre for coach transfers (site visit departures at least five minutes apart)
Please refer to LGNSW website for full details of Site visits. Afternoon refreshments will be provided during each Site Visit.
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Site Visit 1 |
Destination Wagga Wagga – CBD Walking Tour |
1.30pm-5.30pm |
Walking tour – easy to moderate. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. |
Join a CBD walking tour of Wagga Wagga to take in the best of its city sights, unique culture and hidden gems.
Learn more about the significance of Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri culture to the city with an immersive cultural experience. Visit the iconic Wagga Beach (named number 9th best beach in Australia in 2020) and follow the Wiradjuri Trail along the Murrumbidgee River and pass vibrant laneway murals.
Wander down Wagga Wagga’s Fitzmaurice Street, dotted with boutique shops and trendy cafes. Visit The Station Creative Workspace, Wagga Wagga’s historic ambulance station, which has been revitalised into a thriving hub for artists and creatives.
Finish with whisky tasting at Bar Olivette – a 1920’s inspired speakeasy underneath Wagga Wagga’s streetscape |
Site Visit 2 |
Wagga Wagga: Pedal and Produce |
1.30pm-5.30pm |
Coach transfer, 10 minutes each way. Easy walking with limited bike hire and trishaw hire. |
Meet the makers. Discover the region's diverse landscapes and take your taste buds on a bite-size journey around Wagga Wagga in this multisensory tour. Start at Charles Sturt Winery, a special cellar door that is an extension of Charles Sturt University’s leading wine science school. Sample the top drops served here and learn about the interesting varieties and cutting-edge winemaking techniques.
Just five-minutes from Wagga Wagga’s CBD, discover the natural wonders of Marrambidya Wetland, a stunning 20-hectare reserve alongside the Murrumbidgee River. Delegates can choose to connect with nature on two wheels, kick back in a bike charter (trishaws – limited places) or experience the reserve on foot led by the council’s environmental officer.
Travel to Bidgee Strawberries and Cream, one of the region’s signature agritourism experiences, and learn how these super sweet strawberries are grown using sustainable hydroponic farming techniques.
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Site Visit 3 |
Coolamon – Tourism Trails and Tales |
1.30pm-5.30pm |
Coach transfer, 30 minutes each way. Easy walking. |
Wander through Coolamon’s charming streetscape and explore boutique shops, cafes and museums – just a half-hour drive from Wagga Wagga.
Visit the historic 1900s Up-to-Date Store with its original fittings and displays. Meander up the historic main street and stop in at Coolamon Cheese Co for a cheese tasting and tour of the facility.
Finish the day at The Station Collective, a cosy cafe in Coolamon’s heritage train station and hear tourism stories from local business owners who are transforming Coolamon into a must-see regional destination. |
Site Visit 4 |
Junee – Heritage, History and Chocolate |
1.30pm-5.30pm |
Coach transfer, 30 minutes each way. Easy walking. |
Immerse yourself in heritage, history and chocolate, just a short half-hour drive from Wagga Wagga.
Set in a picturesque country town, Junee promises a triple treat for the senses. Visit the largest working railway roundhouse in the southern hemisphere, enjoy a guided tour and memorable sweet treats at Junee Chocolate and Licorice Factory, and finish the day at the iconic heritage-listed Athenium Theatre – an incredible piece of local history.
This tour includes a scenic 30-minute bus transfer, allowing delegates to soak in the beautiful countryside surrounds.
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5.30pm |
Site visits return to Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre |
6.40pm |
Coach transfer from Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre to The Wild Vine |
7.00pm-10.00pm |
Conference Dinner and entertainment – The Wild Vine (Oura Road, Oura)
Address by Elite Partner, Liz Ward, CEO, Tourism Tribe |
10.00pm-10.30pm |
Return coach transfers from The Wild Vine to Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre. |