GUNNEDAH Shire Council will make a bid to host the Australian Regional Tourism Convention in 2028.
If successful, the event could see economic benefit of an estimated $300,000 and roughly 150 attendees.
At a recent council meeting, elected members agreed to contribute $20,000 to enable a competitive and credible bid.
Recent conventions have been hosted in Mackay, Queensland (2024), Adelaide Hills, South Australia (2025) and Busselton, Western Australia (2026). New South Wales last hosted the convention in 2023 in Newcastle.
The convention is Australian Regional Tourism’s flagship annual event and brings together tourism industry specialists, destination managers, government representatives and regional leaders from across the country.
Gunnedah Shire’s submission will need to demonstrate destination capability, appropriate venues and accommodation, local industry engagement and a financial contribution to support delivery of the event.
The council’s business paper stated the shire has an opportunity to submit an expression of interest to host the convention, post the anticipated opening of the Koala Sanctuary, positioning the shire as a regional tourism leader, increasing its national profile and delivering economic and visitation benefits to the local community.
“Hosting the Australian Regional Tourism Convention in 2028 would present a significant opportunity for Gunnedah Shire to showcase its evolving visitor economy and major tourism assets,” the business paper states.
“By 2028, the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary is expected to be established and operational, providing a flagship attraction that can be highlighted to national and regional tourism stakeholders as a leading example of nature-based tourism and conservation.
“In addition, the convention would enable council to promote the shire’s broader range of attractions, including its agricultural heritage, events, cultural experiences and natural landscapes, as well as demonstrate the capacity and quality of the shire’s great venues with its experienced and dedicated staff.
“Hosting the convention would positively position Gunnedah as a confident, capable and forward-looking regional destination.”
The shire’s bid to host the convention is supported by Destination Network Country & Outback and Business NSW with letters of support forming part of the process.
Cr Cameron Moore moved the recommendation to support the submission in addition to the $20,000 contribution.
“This is absolutely amazing. This is the sort of thing that really makes a difference,” he said.
“That’s how you grow your economy, you have people come and find out how amazing this place can be.”
Cr Tammey McAllan, who seconded the motion, also welcomed the council’s submission to host the event.
“We all love Gunnedah…what a great way of having the regional tourism convention here, so we can spread the love of Gunnedah,” she said.
In a letter of support for the submission, Business NSW New England North West regional director Stephanie Cameron said the organisation strongly supports the shire’s bid.
“Gunnedah’s location, regional connectivity, strong council leadership and commitment to collaborative economic development make it well suited to host this conversation on behalf of inland and regional Australia,” she said.
