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Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism

World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage.

By news@gippsland - 22nd September 2025 - Back to News

World Tourism Day 2025 is celebrated on 27 September. This year’s theme highlights tourism’s transformative potential as an agent of positive change. Realising this potential demands more than growth alone. It requires good governance, strategic planning, robust monitoring and clear priority setting that align with long-term sustainability goals. It also requires responsible management of natural resources and that’s what we want to focus on.

World Tourism Day 2025, on 27 September, highlights tourism’s transformative potential, requiring sustainable planning, responsible resource management, and strategic governance for lasting positive change

Water connects communities

We operate seven major dams, eight diversion weirs, three irrigation districts and regulate access and use of river water and groundwater across southern Victoria. We know that water does far more than fill our storages and flow through our channels. It connects our people, places and experiences - shaping the way we live, work and play.

From families casting a line at their favourite fishing spot to visitors travelling to places where they can taste incredible produce or spot rare wildlife, water is central to how we enjoy life at home and on holiday.

It’s why we’ve invested tens of millions of dollars modernising irrigation infrastructure to save water and help boost on-farm efficiency so farmers can keep growing the produce that attract visitors from far and wide and put Victoria on the map as a global agricultural and foodie destination.

Stewarding vital water

It’s why we work with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, catchment management authorities and Traditional Owners to ensure we keep waterways flowing and healthy, so they continue to deliver cultural connection and thriving ecosystems people love to relax and recharge in long into the future.

We take our role as a steward of southern Victoria’s water resources very seriously because we know that from recreation and tourism to farming, food and the environment, water is at the heart of what makes our region thrive. And we’d like to give you some inspiration on getting amongst all the good things sustainable water management enables.

Step into the great outdoors

Research shows that spending time outdoors is good for our mental health and well-being. Going for a walk in the bush, trying your luck with a fishing rod, taking a swim or going boating can help clear the mind and lower stress. We manage several storages you can go recharge and relax in.

• Blue Rock Lake
• Glenmaggie Lake
• Pykes Creek
• Cowwarr

Check out our recreational page for more details on what you can do and how to stay safe in the great outdoors. A good option for those who like things a little less wild but love plenty of fresh air is to go kick a footy or tee off at one the recreation facilities or businesses we supply with water.

Take a taste tour

We also manage and supply water to farmers and growers who make some of the most delicious food and wine in Victoria. Whether you’re into homemade ice cream, award winning olive oil, chemical free fruit and veggies or learning to cook with native ingredients these producers are well worth a visit.

• Lightfoot wines: renowned for their elegant drops, gorgeous cellar door and inspiring views back on to the Mitchell River and are about a 15-minute drive from Bairnsdale
• Maffra Cheese: started 40-years ago by master cheese maker Ferial Zekiman, this thriving Gippsland farm put Maffra on Australia’s foodie map. You can find her cheese at many groceries stores across the region
• Nullamunjie Olives: who knew olives grew so well in the hot climate and hungry soils around Tongio, East Gippsland. Owner Annie Patterson did and today you can taste the truth at her restaurant that welcome lunch and dinner group bookings
• Volcano Produce: Ben Pohlner grows spray free and veggies at his farm in Illowa and you can really taste the difference. Hands down the best beetroots, carrots and strawberries we’ve tasted. Stop at his farm store and treat yourself
• Picnic point apples: These guys love apples so much they’ve created their own variety called the ‘Picnic’. They turn water from the Mitchell River into fresh, crunchy, sweet fruit you can buy at the farm story just outside Bairnsdale
• The Berry Dairy: Since moving from New Zealand to Tinamba these enterprising Kiwis have been turning heads. Taste their ice cream and chill out at their cafe and you’ll see why
• Peppermint Ridge: This former cattle property has been transformed into a shining example of sustainable agriculture by two visionaries. They grow a unique array of native plants and offer cooking lessons to show people how to enjoy them

Connect with cultural heritage

Water is profoundly important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, representing a sacred source of life and a fundamental component of their spirituality, identity, and cultural practices. We are committed to supporting Traditional Owner groups with self-determination and we’re proud of our role to support access to water for cultural use.

We have worked with the Gunaikurnai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and granted water licences on the Mitchell River and the Tambo River, and a groundwater licence in the Buchan Munji.

Also known as Buchan Caves Reserve, Buchan Munji, is managed in partnership with Parks Victoria and offers tours of spectacular limestone formations carved by ancient underground waterways. With onsite camping and accommodation, it’s a great family getaway.

Restoring cultural flows

We’ve also worked with the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation on the Palawarra (Fitzroy River) to support returning water flows to the landscape and re-establishing traditional eel harvesting techniques in the Budj Bim cultural landscape.

A world heritage listed site with a cafe and aquaculture centre the Budj Bim cultural landscape offers cultural tours and educational experiences that provide authentic insights into this incredible Country and First Peoples heritage.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Darren Chester urges federal support for forest scientists making Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry
  Darren Chester has urged the Albanese government to support credible forest scientists backing Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry, criticising activist influence and government bans harming regional jobs and communities.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.
• Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
  Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion.
• Latrobe City Council's Councillor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 regional agenda
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 agenda, advocating sustainable growth, investment, and workforce opportunities for regional Victoria’s cities and surrounding communities.
• Gippsland emerges as national hub for industrial hemp, boosting sustainable alternatives to timber
  Gippsland is gaining national attention as a hub for industrial hemp, with pilot projects, crop walks, and the Global Hemp Summit showcasing sustainable alternatives and regional economic opportunities.
• East Gippsland hosts Youth Agritech Expo showcasing farming futures and career pathways for young people on 17 September 2025
  East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce.
• Dr Patrick Kinsella’s decades-long contributions to healthcare, sport, media, and community celebrated at 2026 Australia Day Awards
  Dr Patrick Kinsella, East Gippsland Australia Day Ambassador, has impacted healthcare, education, sport, media, and community life for over 40 years; residents are invited to celebrate at 21 January awards.
• Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
  The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances.
• Melina Bath encourages increased funding for regional palliative care, ensuring dignity and support statewide
  Melina Bath warned underfunded regional palliative care forces terminally ill Victorians into hospitals instead of home, calling for urgent investment to ensure dignity, support, and equal access across eastern Victoria.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents.
• Kickstart your career locally with Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program send applications by 26 January 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program offers young people and career returners real-world experience, Certificate III qualifications, flexible work, and pathways to permanent roles across seven diverse disciplines.
• Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
  Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience.
• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• Drouin Picnic Racing Club receives $13,519 upgrade boost through Allan Labor government's Regional Customer Facilities Program
  Drouin Picnic Racing Club will receive $13,519 to upgrade facilities and enhance race day experiences, part of the Allan Labor government's $730,000 investment improving regional racing venues statewide.
• Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
  The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation.
• Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
  The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control.
• Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
  Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve.
• Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan.
• Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
  Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria.
• Darren Chester tears down Albanese government's 'lazy' plan to cut regional speed limits, urges investment in safer roads
  Darren Chester has criticised the Albanese government's plan to lower regional speed limits, labelling it "lazy" and urging greater investment in repairing and upgrading unsafe roads to reduce fatalities.
• West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
  West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects.