Richmond and Aligned Leisure held a three-day department conference in Wangaratta and surrounding towns including Whorouly, Myrtleford, Bright, Rutherglen and Oxley to give much needed support to the bushfire affected communities.
Starting Monday March 2, the Tigers and Aligned Leisure had 52 staff members travel to the conference, staying at local hotels, eating at local restaurants, purchasing petrol and holding breakout sessions at cafes around different rural towns.
It is estimated the Club tipped over $40,000 into the local economy as part of the initiative that was devised in consultation with Visit Victoria’s Business & Sport for Bushfire Recovery Program.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said that more than 225 organisations had got on board with Business & Sport for Bushfire Relief across the state.
“It’s great to see Richmond getting out and supporting communities in the north east,” he said.
“It’s making a real difference.”
Aligned Leisure CEO, Shane Dunne, said it was fantastic to get out and support different rural communities.
“Staff enjoyed the opportunity to leave the office and our normal day to day work to see a beautiful part of the state and the country,” he said.
“The hospitality, food and drink was excellent across the board and we were all sure to purchase some goods and support local business. Tourism has taken a real hit in these industries due to the bushfires and smoke haze, so it was great to be able to support them.”
