The Horsham Fishing Competition and an amateur motocross event will be the major drawcards as Horsham welcomes thousands of visitors this long weekend.
The yearly angling tournament attracts more than 2000 people over three days while 300 riders enter the two-day motocross racing event at Dooen with their families and support staff in tow.
Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Robyn Gulline said she hoped the influx of people would entice visitors to consider shifting to the Wimmera.
“The data shows people need to visit a region multiple times before they might consider a decision to relocate,” she said.
“From speaking with business operators over the past few years, we know that there are plenty of jobs that they are struggling to fill.
“So with visitors coming to our events, we want them to really get a glimpse of what the area has to offer,” Cr Gulline said.
Council’s depot crews are busily preparing the riverfront areas ahead of the fishing competition.
Tasks include mowing, general tidying and provision of bins. River access tracks have been graded and town entry signage erected.
Council also provides a $5000 contribution to the fishing competition via its Community Development Grants Program.
HRCC auspices a further $2000 provided through the Victorian Government’s Regional Recovery Fund.
Cr Gulline praised the endeavour of the competition’s organising committee.
“The competition has been a staple of Horsham events for the past 45 years. An empty river has been the only thing that has stopped the contest from going ahead throughout its history. That’s a testament to the hard work and adaptability of the volunteers who run it,” she said.
“While the free camping offered along the river means that many visitors don’t need to book accommodation, we know they do still spend a lot of money in town, from groceries to camping equipment and eating out.
“There is also a high number of women who attend the competition and they are generally inclined to go and do some retail shopping while they are here.”
At the Dooen motocross track, there are race categories for junior and senior, Victorian and interstate amateur riders.
The club’s volunteers have made several improvement to its track in recent years. Last year Truckloads of fill soil were repurposed and donated to the Dooen Motocross Complex.
The unneeded soil was excavated during the construction of the nearby Wimmera Agriculture and Logistics Hub industrial park.
It was otherwise destined for the Dooen Landfill until contact was made with the motocross club.
Once delivered, the soil was mixed with hay by club volunteers and used for general maintenance on the 1.7km track.
