SPORTS tourism is big business and Mildura is increasingly cashing in.
We were a full house again last weekend.
Accommodation was booked out and our hospitality sector was pumping as thousands of visitors hit town for two major sporting events, as well as a music festival.
Almost 1400 junior soccer players, along with their support staff and families, were here for the Victorian Country junior titles, while hundreds turned out for the picturesque Mildura Riverfront Marathon on Sunday.
I went along to both events and the atmosphere was fantastic.
While it was cold, overcast and drizzly down south, our visitors soaked up some of our winter sunshine and were so positive about what our city has to offer.
Once you’re here, everything is in close proximity, they told me, from our sporting grounds and facilities to accommodation or hospitality venues. We make it easy for everyone.
It was further proof that Mildura is the perfect destination to host these major events. And it’s why as a Council we work so hard to attract them here.
The Mildura Sporting Precinct has certainly broadened our appeal in terms of attracting state and national events.
It recently hosted the Victorian Country Under 14 basketball titles, as well as state volleyball titles, events that again attracted thousands of visitors and injected an estimated $1.3 million into the local economy.
Last month, we officially opened stage two of the project, and it was incredible to reflect on just how big an impact MSP is having on our community.
Yes it has proven to be a drawcard for major events, including AFLW and WNBL games, as well as a Kings of Leon concert, but it has also led to a dramatic increase in community participation, which has always been the main goal.
Consider some of these numbers.
The Mildura Basketball Associated boasted 230 teams prior to MSP. This has grown to 303 registered teams across two venues, with basketball running four to five nights a week.
In total, the MBA now boasts 2300 registered players.
Social and competitive netball is also on the rise, with 130 teams and 1400 participants registered across five days a week at MSP.
Local volleyball numbers, meanwhile, have nearly doubled from 214 to 408 players. Sunraysia Volleyball now utilise MSP four nights a week and has grown registered team numbers from nine to 43 teams.
It has also established an academy on site, while attracting regional and tri-state tournaments to the venue.
Mildura Squash has increased its membership from 40 to 50 players, while seeing an increase from five teams in both divisions of pennants to six teams now in each pennant division.
And for Mildura Badminton, having access to eight dedicated courts has proven a huge success story, with 160 players now registered for regular competition nights compared to 56 before the move to MSP.
Studies have shown communities that participate in sport and recreation are generally healthier and happier than places where physical activity isn’t a priority.
They also develop stronger social bonds and create safer places.
All of it impacts positively on not just our physical and mental health, but on economic growth, business investment, employment and sports tourism.
Attracting major events has been a major focus of council and we will continue to be active in this space.
We want to continue to fill our calendar with capacity weekends, allowing our businesses to have the confidence to grow.
We should be proud of what we have in our own backyard. What an all-seasons playground.
