YMTB invested $88,300 during the year on continuing and new events with the top five events contributing close to $11 million in economic development to the region.
Among the top five events were the Yarrawonga Mulwala Multisport Festival, Lake Mulwala Rod Run and Country Festival of Tennis.
The figure was confirmed at YMTB’s Annual General Meeting on November 27 at the visitor information centre.
Re-elected president Doug Evans acknowledged the support of both local council and the Yarrawonga Holiday Park.
“We have had great support over the year financially from Moira Shire, Federation Council and the Yarrawonga Holiday Park along with our 200 plus members who support us year by year,” Mr Evans said.
“This support for Yarrawonga has been further highlighted by Moira Shire’s commitment to the new Yarrawonga Foreshore concept plans introduced to the public a few months ago. The plan is exciting and visionary. It shows us all what could, or perhaps, should be.”
Mr Evans said YMTB have continued to operate effectively as an information centre, booking office, events coordinator and also the general services previously handled by the Chamber of Commerce.
“I thank the frontline operators, treasurer Don (McPhee), vice president Ros (Vodusek) and the other contributors to sub-committees who work regularly on many issues.
“Our front end, driven by Helen and Tegan, backed up by our part timers, Donna and Shelby, and our volunteers led by board member Anne Watson all create a friendly and well-informed visitor information centre for both locals and visitors.”
Mr Evans also acknowledged two long-time supporters of YMTB who had recently passed away.
“Ron Makin was one of our very active volunteers over many years and was always prepared to go the extra to make things happen and promote tourism.
“Jeff Haebich, a life member of tourism, was our auditor and mentor for many years.
“Many people don’t realise how much he contributed of his time and professionalism at little or no charge to so many clubs and organisations. Jeff was always there to support and advise our association.
“We will remember Ron and Jeff and convey our sympathy to their families.”
Don McPhee delivered a comprehensive treasurer’s report highlighting the $88,300 contribution to events. Mr McPhee reported the organisation returned a profit of $134 for the 2018-19 financial year.
The Yarrawonga Holiday Park Committee continued to support YMTB with a $25,000 contribution during the year along with Moira Shire and Federation Council’s Service Agreements of $225,000 and $50,000 respectively.
“During the year we signed a lease agreement with Murray Darling Basin Authority providing the organisation with a local office for their Regional Engagement Officers. This lease is in place to June 2021.
“Commission income suffered during the 2019 year with a non-responsive website resulting in no online (accommodation) bookings for the year. This issue has been addressed and the new website went live in September this year.”
Mr McPhee said budgetary constraints made it impossible to address earlier but expenses were in line with previous years and within budgeted expectations.
“We have also progressed the work toward the introduction of a digital interpretive and interactive display within the visitor information centre. The project will focus on the ‘Irrigation Story’ around Lake Mulwala. This is a long-term project and will promote environmental awareness and the responsibility of all to maintain a healthy lake and river system for the future.”
Mr McPhee said YMTB are in the process of renegotiating a new café lease. Discussions with Goulburn Murray Water on the land lease are also progressing well.
“The value of this organisation to the Yarrawonga Mulwala community is very much reflected in the list of annual financial contributions showing the diversity and scope of events this organisation support,” Mr McPhee said.
Board members elected at the Annual General Meeting by ballot were; Doug Evans – President, Ros Vodusek, Don McPhee, Allan Wright, John Charles, Shayne Preer, Nicole McPherson, John Clark, Peter Duncan, Anne Watson. Travis Smith and Robbie Knowles come off the board for 2019-20.
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