Festive visitor surge

“It has been busy post-Christmas. Visitor numbers are difficult to estimate, but bookings have been good across the festive period,” Mr Wright said.

“The accommodation we managed at the Visitor Information Centre has been largely fully booked with our property owners taking advantage of their properties for a two to three weeks of the six-week holiday period.

“Trade appears to be subdued – the visitors are not spending at the same levels as prior years.

“The tough economic times and inflationary impact is taking a toll with people refraining from spending due to the economic uncertainty moving forward.”

Mulwala Water Ski Club CEO Peter Duncan said it was a very busy New Years Eve.

“On the whole it was a well-behaved crowd. The family fireworks at 9.30pm were a huge success with the Ski Club foreshore packed with families,” Mr Duncan said.

“New Years Eve revellers who counted down to the midnight fireworks saw a spectacular display. The club was at capacity early going to members only entry at 10pm.

“This seasons Ski Shows have once again been a huge crowd drawcard. This plus perfect weather has seen good numbers through the gate.

“Families are really taking the opportunity to see the free ski show followed by the Laser Light and Music Show, it just makes for a nice family night out.

“If you are yet to catch this year’s Ski Show, come early for a great spot on the grassed foreshore and bring a picnic blanket or folding chair, gates open at 5pm.

“There are various food and drink options available to purchase. This is a fully catered event so please no BYO or eskies.”

ClubMulwala has also been well patronised over the festive period, with plenty of locals and visitors enjoying New Year’s Eve which featured the Masquerade party with Paris Zachariou.

“Our Masquerade party was enjoyed by around 160 people who enjoyed a delicious three course meal and brilliant entertainment by the stellar performers Paris & Co,” ClubMulwala Marketing and Entertainment Manager Trish Storer said.

“The Junior Talent Quest was also another resounding success with 25 entrants including a number of dance soloists, singers and musicians.

“As always, the judging panel, consisting of local musicians who give up their time to support the event, had a difficult task of choosing award winners.

“This week sees family bingo and family line-dancing at the club, along with Dance Workshops, Dragged to Bingo, and a kids disco.

“The club is particularly excited about the brand-new all ages event ‘the Taylor Swift Tribute Show’ on Friday night, and the return of ‘Totally 80s’ on Saturday night.”

The New Year’s Eve Celebration with Fanbelt and Smithers at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort was well attended with plenty of locals and visitors alike also testing out their golfing ability with the clubs new golf simulator.

“We had over 500 people through the bistro, with a great mix of locals and visitors all coming together to celebrate the new year,” Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort Marketing Manager Rob Alexander said.

“It was awesome to see so many young families out enjoying the night too.

“The entertainment was a standout, with solo musician Smithers setting the tone early, followed by Mulwala favourites, Fanbelt keeping everyone on their feet into the night.

“It was a fantastic way to showcase the incredible talent we have right here in our region.”

Hundreds also travelled for the hotly contested Bundalong Rodeo which reported record entries with well over 3,500 people in attendance.