Daylesford has been named the best Small Tourism Town for 2024 in the TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town awards.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that only five places made it to the finals and the council was thrilled to have won the award against some formidable competition.
“Daylesford is beautiful in all seasons, with visitors travelling great distances to spend time rejuvenating and seeking wellness experiences. The town’s natural beauty, including Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and the top-quality amenities around Lake Daylesford, has always drawn people for weddings and celebrations, and to escape from the city.
“We have a vibrant arts community and events throughout the year. Set amidst heritage buildings and hills and forests, Daylesford will continue to draw people from many walks of life for rest and recreation, be it short-term or for more lengthy stays.”
Daylesford’s nomination was put forward by Daylesford Macedon Tourism in partnership with the council. The award is judged on a demonstration of commitment to tourism and increasing visitation, excellent visitor experience, and exhibiting collaboration with tourism operators, local businesses and the community.
Daylesford won in the category ‘Top Small Tourism Town’ (population between 1500 and 5000) against Heathcote, Koroit, Maldon and Sorrento.
The awards were announced at an event in Lancefield last Thursday, July 26.

Above, Hepburn Shire Council acting CEO Dr Karina Lamb, Mayor Cr Brian Hood & Economic Development & Visitor Economy coordinator Bridgette O’Brien

Daylesford Macedon Tourism will host Growth Mindset in Uncertain Times at the Macedon Ranges Hotel & Spa this Wednesday, June 26 from 8.30am to 3.30pm.

This year’s theme is about having a growth mindset in uncertain times. The conference will hear from some of the country’s most innovative and forward thinking leaders.

Topics for discussion include learning about using AI to generate content, how to market a business in challenging times, and why invest when others are cutting back.

There will be a chance to gain insights into the international market and what they expect, as well as real life examples of how to get traction in the weddings and events space.

A finance expert will talk about how to survive in a lower spend environment, and speakers from Visit Victoria and Tourism Australia will also keep the audience up-to-date with the latest marketing initiatives, and how to get involved.

The keynote speaker, Dan Monheit, CEO and the cofounder of Hardhat, is a behavioural scientist who has presented on the international stage and worked with the likes of Visit Victoria, and will talk about the power of a positive mindset and bring real life examples.

Also speaking are Macedon Ranges Shire CEO Bernie Sullivan and Hepburn Shire CEO Bradley Thomas, pictured above, on the theme: Housing, Planning and more: how councils are enabling growth.

The cost is $79 +GST for DMT partners and $158 +GST for non-partners.

Link: www.dmrtourism.com.au/events/

Words: Donna Kelly

Macedon’s tourism industry has recieved a tidy boost with a $50,000 grant from the Victorian
government to Daylesford Macedon Tourism, and a further $625,000 grant to Goldfield Gateways.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas in recent days announced the Daylesford Macedon Tourism grant under Stream A and the Goldfields Gateway grant under Stream B of the $3 million Visitor Servicing Fund.

The $50,000 grant will enable Daylesford Macedon Tourism to deliver the DMT Regional Visitor
Servicing Strategy working with both Hepburn Shire Council and Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

In a media statement Ms Thomas announced that the project will include:

• New visitor and community research, industry workshops and interviews.
• Clarity on what visitor services should be delivering.
• How the region can better work together in delivering visitor service solutions.
• Delivery of a visitor servicing strategy for the region with recommendations on a range of
  potential investments with returns to the visitor economy.