The Australian Sheep & Wool Show (ASWS) was worth nearly $5 million to the City of Greater Bendigo, according to the local authority’s senior management.
Bendigo city council major events manager Terry Karamaloudis said the economic impact, based on modelling provided by Tourism Research Australia, estimated a benefit of $4.9m.
“Typically that goes into the accommodation sector, restaurants, cafes, bars, petrol stations, the retail sector,” Mr Karamaloudis said.
“There is a broad cross section of industries that benefit from the show.”
Mr Karamaloudis said said another aspect of significant events, such as the ASWS, was the social aspect of encouraging volunteers and civic pride.
“You are activating volunteers and the community and seeing the best event of its sector, in Australia,” he said. “We know when tourists come in they spend money, and that’s great, but that’s not the be all and end all, for me, as an events manager.
“The social benefits, such as civic pride and things like that, are just as important as the economic impact.”
Tourism authorities said the economic impact spread beyond Bendigo, and the three days of the show.
Bendigo Tourism Board chair Kathie Bolitho said the ASWS, celebrating its 140th year, attracted about 35,000 people.
The economic advantages spread beyond the actual three days of the show, with traders and livestock owners coming to the city, in the week before the event.
All accommodation in Bendigo was booked out, which meant surrounding centres such as Castlemaine and Heathcote also shared in the economic benefits. She said the annual event had an extremely varied focus.
Ms Bolitho said the ASWS attracted international, as well as interstate visitors, with European and South American interest.
More than 5000 farmers, the best fleeces in the country and 28 different breeds of sheep, goats and alpacas were represented at Bendigo each year.
Bendigo Agricultural Show Society secretary Rod Bowles said while other events, such as Groovin’ the Moo and the annual Hot Rod show were bigger, but the ASWS played a significant role in the annual calendar.
“It provides a great economic boost for the city, which is important – it’s one of the major players in a number who use the showgrounds complex, over the year,” Mr Bowles said.
