Building Momentum for Our Future Summit: A Catalyst for Regional Growth
On Wednesday, 4th September, Destination Goulburn Valley (DGV) hosted its inaugural Visitor Economy Regional Summit, "Building Momentum for Our Future," at the Melbourne University Shepparton Campus. The event was more than just a gathering—it was a powerful movement towards regional transformation, bringing together a dynamic collective of leaders, innovators, and community members to share insights, exchange ideas, and build a roadmap for the future of the Goulburn Valley region.
The summit, organised under the guiding principle of collaboration, served as a call to action for everyone involved in shaping the region’s future. With a clear message that "our future looks incredibly bright," participants were encouraged to take an active role in making the vision of a thriving and prosperous region a reality.
The Vision Behind the Summit
The "Building Momentum for Our Future" summit was conceived out of a deep recognition of the untapped potential within the Goulburn Valley. As the global and local landscape evolves, the importance of a resilient and vibrant visitor economy becomes clear. The region's unique assets—from its natural beauty to its entrepreneurial spirit—make it ripe for growth, but that growth requires collective action.
The summit aimed to bring together diverse voices and ideas that could drive forward regional prosperity. It focused on harnessing the power of collaboration, strategic thinking, and local innovation to create a more robust, sustainable visitor economy.
A Collective Effort: Gratitude for Our Speakers, Sponsors, and Attendees
No event of this magnitude is possible without the contribution of many hands. Destination Goulburn Valley extends its deepest gratitude to all the individuals and organizations who made this summit such a remarkable success.
Speakers and Panelists: Catalysts of Change
The summit featured an esteemed lineup of guest speakers and panelists who challenged attendees to think bigger and more strategically about the region's future. These leaders, representing various industries and sectors, took time out of their busy schedules to share their knowledge, offering perspectives that were not only thought-provoking but also deeply inspiring.
Their insights helped frame the conversations around the region’s potential, exploring how Goulburn Valley can position itself as a major destination for visitors, investors, and talent over the next decade. The discussions emphasized that the future won't simply happen; it must be actively shaped by those who care about the region’s success.
The speakers' messages were clear: the "killer decade" ahead presents unprecedented opportunities, but seizing them requires a coordinated effort. It is up to us—as business owners, community members, and leaders—to work together toward a common goal of regional prosperit
Sponsors: Backing a Shared Vision
The unwavering support of the summit's sponsors played an integral role in bringing this event to life. These sponsors recognized the significance of the summit and the potential of the Goulburn Valley region, offering their backing with full confidence in the vision presented.
From local businesses to larger corporations, the support of these sponsors not only made the summit possible but also underscored a growing belief in the power of regional economies. Their commitment to the success of the Goulburn Valley reflects a shared understanding that, through collaboration and innovation, the region can continue to thrive.
Key Themes from the Summit
Several key themes emerged during the summit, driving the discussions and helping shape the vision for the Goulburn Valley’s future.
1. Collaboration and Community
One of the strongest messages from the summit was the critical role of collaboration. From industry leaders to local community members, everyone must work together to build a stronger, more resilient economy. By sharing resources, knowledge, and ideas, the Goulburn Valley can better position itself as a premier destination for visitors and businesses alike.
2. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The future of the region depends on innovation. As industries and technologies evolve, so too must the Goulburn Valley. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and supporting local innovators, the region can continue to lead in areas such as agribusiness, tourism, and sustainability.
3. Sustainability and Long-Term Planning
A sustainable future was a major focus of the summit’s discussions. Ensuring that growth happens in a way that protects the natural environment and supports local communities is essential. The summit highlighted the importance of long-term planning and sustainable practices that not only benefit the region today but for generations to come.
4. Leveraging the Visitor Economy
The visitor economy is a powerful driver of growth, and the summit emphasized the importance of leveraging the region’s unique strengths to attract tourists. Whether through promoting local culture, history, or nature, the Goulburn Valley has much to offer. The key is to build a cohesive strategy that can attract visitors from across Australia and beyond.
Building the Future: A Call to Action
The energy and enthusiasm in the room at the Melbourne University Shepparton Campus were palpable. The summit made it clear that the future of the Goulburn Valley is bright—but only if we all take an active role in shaping it. The decade ahead is full of opportunities, but it won’t be handed to us. We have to go out and make it happen.
This sentiment was echoed by many others throughout the day. There was a shared understanding that the region is too special not to be shared with the world. By investing in the visitor economy, supporting local innovation, and fostering a culture of collaboration, the Goulburn Valley can continue to grow and thrive.
Moving Forward
As Destination Goulburn Valley looks ahead, the momentum generated by the summit will continue to guide its efforts. The collective energy, ideas, and vision shared during the event have already begun to take root. There is a deep sense of optimism that, together, we can build a vibrant and prosperous future for the region.
The summit was just the beginning. In the months and years ahead, DGV will continue to work with local leaders, businesses, and community members to build on the insights gained during the event. The aim is to create actionable plans that will not only boost the visitor economy but also strengthen the Goulburn Valley’s position as a hub of innovation and opportunity.
Destination Goulburn Valley would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this summit possible. Together, we have started building the momentum needed to secure a vibrant future for our region. Now, it's up to all of us to keep that momentum going. The future is bright, but it’s one we must actively shape—together.
