Murrindindi / Mitchell Bushfire Tourism Recovery Group - Watch Us Grow

Media > Watch Us Grow

Watch Us Grow

After the tragic events of the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires the shires of Murrindindi and Mitchell in regional Victoria were amongst some of the hardest hit. However, the regions are rebuilding and want the tourists to return.

And now, thanks to an historic agreement between Tourism Victoria, in conjunction with the Federal and State governments, special funding has been allocated to these regions – to form a new cooperative marketing body - the Murrindindi Mitchell Bushfire Tourism Recovery Group (MMBTRG).

Launched this month, the MMBTRG will spearhead a major multimedia national marketing program to assist the key townships in the areas which depend on heavily on tourism, as they rebuild and commence the recovery process.

MMBTRG’s mantra is -- ACTION NOW -- to spread the message that they are open for business, to get tourists back to the regions and to proactively assist the wide range of tourism-related businesses to rebuild and recover from a downturn in business.

The collaborative body has employed the services of leading Victorian-based marketing communication and IT specialists to launch a nationwide campaign to welcome back tourists the areas, both directly and indirectly impacted by the Bushfires. And is chaired by local businessman – Roger Wootton and supported by a dynamic steering committee – made up of leading tourism and business identities from across both shires.

“Over the ensuing months, MMBTRG will launch a new website, national consumer awareness campaign, targeted media and online advertising and a domestic and international Public Relations campaign, in an effort to excite interest and encourage people back to our region”, said MMBTRG Project Manager and Marysville local – Graeme Haycraft.

“The horrific Black Saturday Bushfires have had a devastating impact on tourism and we want to look to the future now and to send out a positive message to Australians”, said Chairman – Mark Challis.

“The horrific Black Saturday Bushfires have had a devastating impact on tourism and we want to look to the future now and to send out a positive message to Australians”, said Haycraft.
The Shire of Murrindindi is located North East of Melbourne and encompasses the townships and villages of Alexandra, Buxton, Eildon, Flowerdale, Highlands, Kinglake, Lake Mountain, Marysville, Narbethong, Strath Creek, Taggerty, Thorton, Toolangi, Yea and Yarck.

Mitchell Shire is located less than one hour north of Melbourne in the heart of Victoria and incorporates the townships of Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford, Beveridge, Wandong, Heathcote Junction, Pyalong, Tallarook, Seymour, Puckapunyal and Tooborac.