The award-winning Murrumbateman Field Days will enhance its agritourism promotion in the Illawarra, Hume Corridor and Far South Coast regions, thanks to a $20,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Event Fund. This funding, part of a $1.3 million initiative supporting 66 events across NSW, will help extend the event’s reach and attract more visitors.
Tom White, manager of the Murrumbateman Field Days, stated the grant, managed by Destination NSW, would boost the event’s profile and increase visitation for the 2024 event, scheduled for October 19-20. “This funding allows us to attract more people from south Sydney and coastal regions, showcasing our attractions and the beauty of the whole Yass Valley region,” White said.
The Murrumbateman Field Days, the largest event in the Yass Valley and key supporter of the Destination Southern NSW agritourism strategy, are crucial for promoting the local farming industry, supporting the hospitality and wine industries, and engaging local businesses and community groups. Last year, the event generated over $7.3 million for the local economy and $44 million for the wider Australian economy.
Mr White highlighted the grant’s significance, noting that it supports not only Murrumbateman but also other AAFDA Field Days like Henty and Tocal. He said: “This funding is a great boost for regional agritourism, reinforcing the importance of Field Days in rural business and tourism strategies.”
Conveniently located off the Barton Highway, and close to the Hume, the event is accessible for visitors from Sydney and the Southern Highlands, and is an easy drive from Canberra, the Riverina, the South Coast, and the Snowy Mountains.
Tom concluded: ‘With this grant the Murrumbateman Field Days will now be able to offer regional NSW farming industries a greater chance to benefit from increased promotional activities and will help showcase the best of our local rural region’.
