By Bronwyn Hastings

Australia’s oldest and most prestigious footrace, the Stawell Gift, brought thousands of people to the region across the Easter weekend, giving the community more traction in its bushfire recovery.

Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said the town’s biggest event again captured the imagination of the country and attracted international attention, leaving the region ‘buzzing’.

“The Gift brings people from all over the state and country, and international competitors, which brings a really important economic boost, particularly after the challenges of the start of the year,” he said. 

“To see the town full instils a real sense of pride in the community. They can push out their chests as they walk around the streets, which is really important because we’ve been so significantly impacted by the loss of income during the January fires.”

Mr Sleeman said accommodation was widely booked – the nearest available for Melbourne visitors was Ballarat.

“Easter is very much a family-focused weekend, and this year we’re seeing a lot of people staying on during the week between the two long weekends,” he said.

“We’ll hopefully have an increased injection of spending across not just the Grampians, but the Wimmera and Mallee too.”

Mr Sleeman said events such as the Stawell Gift could bring people to the region for the first time.

“They are almost like an appetizer, they come back again,” he said.

“The Gift secures national coverage for our region – there’s drone footage with Grampians National Park in the background, and the commentary talked to all parts of the region, such as the silo art trail and weekends at Dunkeld.

“It puts a spotlight on Stawell, but it also amplifies the whole region.”

Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos attended the Gift on Monday, and said the event was a boost to the community.

“The Grampians region is an iconic part of regional Victoria,” he said.

“Events like the Stawell Gift support Grampians small businesses, fill accommodation and provide a boost to the entire Stawell community.”

Mr Sleeman said the Gift also inspired young athletes.

“I don’t think you can underestimate the power that this has for young kids in our region – they go to the event, they see these amazing athletes and it gives them something to aspire to,” he said.

“My 10-year-old daughter is talking about running in the event now, she’s been training with the Swifts – it inspires a generation to go on to bigger and better things.”

Reflecting on the Gift’s outcome, Mr Sleeman said high-profile runner Gout Gout brought extra interest to the race.

“To have a runner like Gout Gout involved put a little bit extra shine on the event, but, win, lose or draw, the winner is the Grampians region,” he said.

The region’s food and wine will be showcased at the Grampians Grape Escape on May 2, 3 and 4, again boosting tourism to the area in an otherwise quiet period.

“With these events, people are staying in all corners of the region, it fills up the whole destination,” Mr Sleeman said.

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