Welcome to this weeks Newsletter.
EMT has seen another very busy fortnight, we hope you enjoy the read. Have a Safe and Merry Christmas.

From the Team at EMT!

RELOCATING THE ECHUCA MOAMA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

Your EMT Board has been made aware of the Shire of Campaspe’s intention to consider relocating the Visitor Information Centre to the existing Echuca Library site for the purpose of building a library where your VIC resides.  Public submissions are being requested up until Friday 29 January 2010 and the board will be submitting many reasons as to why we do not support the proposal.  We acknowledge this is a very busy time for many of you but ask that you forward your submission with much gusto to ensure the Shire are provided with a strong view on this matter.  Submissions will be accepted in person at Shire of Campaspe offices or via email to shire@campaspe.vic.gov.au to the attention of Keith Baillie, CEO.

Air Access Update

A group has been formed to manage the feasibility study.
The group has been named Murray Air Access Development Group and is made up of 1 representative from each supporting group i.e. Murray Shire, Campaspe, Conargo and Deniliquin Council plus Tourism Victoria’s development department and EMT.
The far ranging study document is currently being created and will go out to tender in January 2010 closing February.
The group will then meet to approve a successful tender; the feasibility process is then anticipated to be completed by May 2010.
 

Official Visitors Guide

This next edition will be very different from past versions, A4 in size which will allow us to create an improved ‘’visual image’’ of our region and all that it has to offer.
The tender process will be in 3 separate components:
1. Design element
2. Copywriting
3. Printing

The sales of the advertising for the guide will be done by EMT in-house, in this way we can maximize profits and return them to the marketing budget so all Members will see the monies they spend on advertising their respective product will then go full circle and be used again for the overall promotion of the region of which their product is a part!
If you have any interim queries regarding advertising opportunities please do not hesitate to call Gayle Stutchbury at the EMT office on 5480 7555.

EMagine Branding

Please remember to use your regions branding, it is very important.
If you require any assistance with how to use it please contact Ingrid Ruff at the EMT office.
 

Let’s Go Kids Magazine

All finished and 3 pages of editorial and advertising for Echuca Moama will appear in the summer issue.
This magazine is obviously aimed at the family market and is distributed Victoria wide.
It has a shelf life of 3 months.
Thank you to all of the companies who supported this initiative including the Campaspe Shire!
 

Echuca Moama Events-Update

The office re-modeling has been progressing well as we prepare for new staff.
Office moves, new computers, relocated hardware, IT cabling so it’s been go here!
(Thank you Billabong for helping out with joinery works!)
The Events Manager position interviewing process has now been completed and we will be making a formal announcement shortly regarding the appointment.
Exciting times!

Ambassador Program Update

All moving along and we are hopeful of being in a position of being able to commence advertising for expressions of interests from interested persons to apply to participate in EMT’s Ambassador Program.

Australian Tourism Exchange

EMT has now completed an application to participate in Australia’s largest tourism trade show to be held in June in Adelaide next year.
We are hopeful that our application will be accepted.
If we are accepted there will be much to do to prepare our products for sale at this premier trade buyer show.
Stay tuned!

Website Changes

The site continues to evolve.
For example by loading the OVG onto the new site means consumers don’t have to keep ordering mailed out hard copies.
This has realized a saving for November of $1,000.00 just in postage expenses!
This saving then is tipped back into marketing, and trust me, every bit helps!
We will also be loading in a film clip on our region and a brand new song called Echuca Sun, this will attract more attention to our site, particularly via Facebook, which will link back to a YouTube site.
(If you don’t understand this, ask any Y gen).

Echuca Cup Carnival-February 2010

EMT are working with the Echuca Racing Club to finalize an opportunity for a ‘’live broadcast’’ with a major sport radio program which covers all of Victoria and Tasmania.
We will have the broadcast in Echuca and in a public location so as everyone can access it and participate.
We will be hosting a BIG breakfast as well, their will be lots of advertising opportunities on offer and we will announce these shortly.

Camping & Caravan Shows-2010

EMT is seeking expressions of interests from interested parties to support and attend camping and caravan shows in 2010.
All expressions of interest to Simon Latchford at simon@echucamoama.com by 12th January 2010 please.
Should you have any interim queries do not hesitate to call/contact.

Echuca Moama Wedding Expo

Echuca Moama’s Wedding Expo website is now live. If you are interested in exhibiting at the wedding Expo please visit the website below.
www.echucamoamaweddingexpo.com.au

Marine Notice

27 – 31 December 2009 – 6.00am to 6.30pm
Navigation Restriction - Murray River - Murray Marathon Canoe Race
YMCA Victoria Pty Ltd
Vessel operators are advised that NSW Maritime has declared the above event to be a Special Event and has granted an Exclusive Use Aquatic Licence to the YMCA Victoria Pty Ltd to conduct the Murray Marathon Canoe Race on the waters of the Murray River between Yarrawonga and Swan Hill.

As a result, a moving Exclusive Use Area will be established during the Event over five days. The Exclusive Use Area will move downriver daily for five days between the locations and on the dates indicated below, from the start of the days’ racing at 6:00am until after the last canoe finishes at approximately 6:30pm:

Sat 27th Dec - Yarrawonga to Tocumwal
Sun 28th Dec - Tocumwal to Picnic Point
Mon 29th Dec - Picnic Point to Echuca
Tues 30th Dec - Echuca to Torrumbarry
Wed 31st Dec - Murrabit to Swan Hill

 A designated sweep vessel displaying 2 red flags will alert other River users to the closure of the River each morning. The last canoe in the fleet will be followed by a designated sweep vessel displaying a green flag, to signify the re-opening of the River.

No vessels are to enter the Exclusive Use Area on the days and times indicated above except for vessels associated with the Event and to do so may be an offence contrary to Section 12(6) of the Marine Safety Act 1998 – Maximum penalty $1,100.00.

For further information concerning this Navigation Restriction please contact the Albury office of NSW Maritime on 02 60217188.

http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/marine_notices/murray.html

NEW MEMBERS

Echuca Chiropractic Clinic – Bruce Thompson
This locally owned business that has been operating in Echuca for the past 18 years. Family orientated with very gentle techniques to suit both adults and children a like. Experience the relaxed atmosphere with open hours to suits everyone needs.

Wisteria Tea Room – Annie Vickers & Eric Grumont
Located in the Port Precinct this wonderful Restaurant will take you back in time when a meal could be eaten in peace and tranquility. The terrific staff will cater to your needs & you will leave having experienced one of the great pleasures Echuca has to offer. Step back in time!

D’Alberto Holden – Ezio D’Alberto.
Introducing an exclusive new ‘Car Rental Service’ from your local Holden Dealer!
Perhaps your company needs an extra vehicle, or your Holden is in for a service or you just need a car to get you and the family around for the day. Whatever your reason Holden Rental now can keep you on the road. 

Port of Echuca Woodturners – Donna & Michael Katzer
This locally owned and family operated business right in the heart of the Echuca Port. Donna & Michael have for the past 9 years have been running demonstrations of woodturning for the visitors, making anything from; custom furniture & gift pieces to restoring that once loved piece. They are open 7 days a week & accepting all methods of payment. Check ‘em out !

Port of Echuca Blacksmith – Greg McGregor
Are looking to see something different? Then experience the works of the Port of Echuca Blacksmith, watch Greg as he recreates practical gift ideas in the traditional manner at the forge in the shop. Greg receives requests for items to be mailed out all over the world, so come & discover the wonders of the Port of Echuca Blacksmith in the Murray Esplanade. 

Benarca River-house – Vanessa & Joe Bragg
This 65sq house sleeps up to 20 people with over 1km of magnificent Mighty Murray River frontage. It has its own pontoon and is set on over 120 acres backing onto the Benarca State Forest ensuring privacy, peace and tranquility. It is located between Torrumbarry and Echuca/Moama, the river here is wide and slow as it backs into the weir pool always ensuring high levels. 
This is the perfect GET AWAY …

Just Me Patsy – Pasty Winter
Guys & Girls … Looking for that something different, then I can’t express enough the opportunity we now have to tap into the Melbourne Market. This unique store carries an extraordinary range of handbags, wallets, travel goods, jewellery, scarves, hats and the list goes on and on. To name but a few Patsy carries; Kathy Van Zoeland, Spencer, Holly Riva and Lutherford. So get in before Xmas for that special gift idea…

Bite Me Deli – Anne Crow
Bite Me Deli is a small family owned Gourmet Delicatessen serving high quality food cooked fresh daily on the premises. They cater for private and corporate functions and specialise in ready-to-cook and fully cooked meals. They carry a wide range of Antipasto, Meats & Cheeses. So if you’re looking for something a little different for that next meeting, give Ann a call!

Leanne Whitely Photography – Leanne Whitely
Natural looking photography with an artistic flair, a Leanne Whitely photograph is modern, yet elegant. The ‘Just Gorgeous Studio’ is located at 539 High St, Echuca for all those indoor shots, although she will come out on location for those unique outdoor sittings. Leanne caters for all ages from newborns through to the family portrait and those special occasions we all love to cherish and remember for ever.

Echuca Moama Party Hire – David Munro
Echuca Moama Party Hire has been operating since 2007 as a Party Hire Company and they have more recently moved into setting up Wedding Ceremonies and Wedding Marquee Receptions. They are keen to assist you in all your party and function hire needs in order to make your event, function or wedding special and memorable occasion.

Echuca Harness Racing Club Inc – Jane Boys
Located in Simmie St, Echuca the Echuca Harness Racing Club hold race meetings throughout the year and they also hold a number other special events to support the locals. All the race meeting dates are available at the VIC Office at 2 Heygarth St, Echuca or simply call 5480 7555 for details. You can also check them out on our web site at www.echucamoama.com under; Things to see & do…
So get along for a great day out…

Echuca Moama Murray River Resort – David McAuliffe
Looking at staying right on the edge of the Mighty Murray River in Moama in accommodation that is best to none? Then check out the ‘Echuca Moama Murray River Resort’ for the experience of a life time. The recently opened resort with its 2 & 3 Bedroom Villas are available all year round, complimented by Tennis Courts and a fantastic resort style pool with caves and waterfalls. Kids play area and so much more. Make the most of your time on the Mighty Murray!

Lynn’s Echuca Florist – Lynn McDonald
Through Petals Flowers Echuca, Victoria you are able to send a huge range of premium quality flower bouquets, arrangements, roses and more to be delivered to Echuca & Echuca surrounding areas and throughout Australia. They offer;
Same Day Delivery of flowers and gifts.
Secure Online Shopping.
Award Winning Company.
So, call Lynn the next time you think of someone special and she will get it there on time…

Complete Garden Café
The complete garden open 7 days. Beautifully appointed in the heart of the store. Relaxed atmosphere, tranquil surrounds.
Best breakfast EVER.
Enjoy morning tea.
Light lunch.
Afternoon scones and jam.
Open until 4pm.
Don’t miss out; take a well deserved Break@ The Complete Garden.

Simon Latchford Away!

Please note that Belinda is away on leave returning 29th December
Simon is away from the 24th December, returning 11th January

Thought for The Week

"Mans reach should always exceed his grasp’’

 
This will be our last newsletter for 2009.

Whew, what a year we have had, some thrill’s, a couple of spill’s, a fair bit of adventure and mostly a lot of fun and a great sense of achievement!

Thank you everyone for your great support.

The VIC and EMT staff along with your board members, wish you a very merry Christmas and an extremely successful and busy New Year.  We look forward to working with you to ensure the success of not only your business but the region as a whole with many exciting items and events already on our 2010 calendar.