Fatima Halloum
Werribee has been announced as one of eight finalist for the state’s Top Tourism Town Awards.
Presented by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), the awards highlight regional towns and centres offering uniques visitor experiences.
Werribee Business and Tourism Association chairperson Deborah Dickinson said she was “absolutely” proud of the nomination.
“It [Werribee] has well and truly evolved and stepped up its game,” Ms Dickinson said.
“The uniqueness of the suburb is that in the city centre itself, it has a river that runs through it. The zoo, the mansion, the rose garden, we have well known destination places.”
Ms Dickinson believes anyone surprised by the nomination is only looking at “the shell” of Werribee.
“We take those things for granted, being a local. We have that family experience, we have walking trails around the river, we have good eateries,” she said.
“No matter who you are, you’ll leave with an experience that’s memorable.”
The other towns to reach the finals include Ballarat, Bendigo, Echuca, Frankston, Lakes Entrance, Mildura and Shepparton.
VTIC chief executive Felicia Mariani said the awards would help support the domestic tourism industry.
“Two years of being in and out of lockdown have shown many of us we don’t have to leave Victoria for a getaway,” Ms Mariani said.
“Every tourism business has worked so hard to survive the past two years. It’s the perfect time to acknowledge what regional towns and centres have done to revitalise their tourism experiences and welcome visitors back.”
The public can vote for their favourite destination until May 31.
The winners will then progress on to nationals, for a chance to be recognised as Australia’s Top Tourism Town.
Details: www.vtic.com.au/
