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New 'Erica Country Expo' set to drive local recovery in October

Baw Baw Shire Council has partnered with engaged community members and residents to deliver The Erica Country Expo, a full day, family friendly and community led event set to take over the Erica Recreational Reserve this October.

By news@gippsland - 19th August 2021 - Back to News

New Erica Country Expo will feature a range of entertainment including wood chopping and chainsaw wood carving competitions, bike stunt shows, wine tastings and much more. Kids will be spoilt for choice with fun activities to explore including face painting, a petting zoo, rides, and entertainment shows.

The Erica Country Expo will provide a vital boost for local businesses and tourism operators facing the ongoing disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic

Stimulating economic activity

The event is a welcomed tourism initiative that will encourage visitation and stimulate economic activity within our Shire's eastern region. The Erica Country Expo will provide a vital boost for local businesses and tourism operators facing the ongoing disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic and devastating aftermath of the recent bushfires and storm events.

The event, having been delayed from Covid-19 restrictions, will mark the first in a series of community-led events within the region's East, as part of ongoing recovery support designed to reconnect the local communities and revitalise community strength.

The series of events and activities is supported by the Community Recovery Fund provided under Category C of the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and delivered by Baw Baw Shire Council in collaboration with the local community planning committee.

Participation and dedication towards recovery

Mayor Cr Danny Goss said, "This is an exciting, one-of-a-kind event coming to Erica. Council acknowledges the State Government's ongoing support to assist with our recovery efforts in the region. I want to thank all members of the community involved for their participation and dedication towards rebuilding the regions most affected from the bushfires, the recent storms and and the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

Council continues to engage with local community members and key stakeholders within the community of Erica and neighbouring towns to ensure we are delivering activities that support the region in recovery".

Support for the initiative

Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "It's been a torrid time for the tourism industry and community in the far east of the Shire over the past 30 months. Bushfires in 2019, ongoing COVID-19 shutdowns and recent floods and storms have been a real challenge for this remote and isolated part of the Shire."

"It's therefore so wonderful that community members and local businesses have combined in an amazing spirit of resilience to pull together the Erica Country Expo. I hope that the wider community will support this fabulous initiative and come along to see and enjoy what this part of the Shire has to offer."

Event information

The Erica Country Expo will take place on Saturday 2 October from 11:30am at the Erica Recreational Reserve. All funds raised from the event will go towards the planning and delivery of future community led, recovery building events.

Interested attendees are encouraged to pre-purchase their tickets via the Erica Country Expo website. Further event details will be provided closer to the event via the designated event Facebook page.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com