28-Nov, 2017

After serving nine years as the founding Chair of East Gippsland Marketing Inc. (EGMI), prominent local identity Richard Rijs resigned from the Board at the recent Annual General Meeting and consequently vacated his position as Chair.  

EGMI is a not-for-profit organisation established to raise the profile of the East Gippsland region and help attract investment, increase visitation and entice skilled workers. EGMI is led by a volunteer Board of Management.  

The incoming EGMI Chair is Bob Carter who has been on the Board for seven years, the past two years as Vice Chair. Jaime Savory has been elected to the position of Vice Chair, while Tim Morrison returns to the position of Treasurer. 

“Richard Rijs has been an outstanding, long term contributor to EGMI,” said Bob Carter. 

“His commitment to East Gippsland has been without peer. As the major shareholder and Managing Director of Patties Foods, Richard had an unrelenting commitment to the publicly listed business, yet still found the time and energy to make an enormous contribution to our community.” 

“Even in retirement from Patties, Richard’s community passion and support continued unabated. A sustained contribution at the highest level over 9 years, for which the entire Board, staff and stakeholders are grateful, is to be applauded.”  

As 2017 ends, new challenges lie ahead for EGMI in 2018 and beyond. The Board recently conducted a thorough review of their operations, drawing on the guidance of an external and professional facilitator. 

“While we will remain true to our core live-work-invest objectives, there will be change ahead for EGMI in 2018,” said Bob Carter. 

“More than ever before, we will be drawing on the collective talents of EGMI Board members to develop and implement major new programs in 2018.” 

“Our Board is one of the most talented and diverse Boards in the region. We have leading people representing property, architecture, finance, law, health, marketing, governance, town planning, tourism and employment.”  

“We want to make a difference to the way East Gippsland is perceived by the market. There are some unique regional attributes to build on; our produce, the lakes system, adventure opportunities as well as our gateway to the alpine region.”  

The East Gippsland region operates in a highly competitive business environment with shires and regions in Victoria and across Australia all actively promoting themselves to attract business, tourist and investors. 

EGMI is currently in the process of conducting interviews to appoint a replacement Board member created by Richard Rijs retirement. An announcement will be made by 1 December 2017.  

EGMI is supported by three Marquee Supporters being the East Gippsland Shire Council, Workways Australia and Patties Foods. A further 90 businesses in East Gippsland extend financial support as stakeholders, equally committed to seeing East Gippsland grow and prosper.

EGMI Board

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS, ESPECIALLY IN EAST GIPPSLAND!

Lakes Entrance has long been considered a summer destination; however, one lucky family has discovered first-hand, the plethora of spring delights that the region has to offer, after winning a competition that saw them indulge in a host of local offerings.

The McDonald family of Ferntree Gully, were the winners of the Gippsland Lakes Family Getaway competition, which saw them enjoy a 4 night stay at Kalimna Woods Cottages, plus a kayak adventure with Venture Out and dinner for two at Miriam's Restaurant.

The contest was delivered as part of last year’s 'Switch Off and Reconnect' tourism campaign, which was managed by East Gippsland Marketing Inc, and delivered in partnership with Lakes Entrance Action & Development Association (LEADA) and Destination Gippsland (DGL).

The key focus of the campaign was to encourage visitors to switch off from their devices, work, stresses and everyday routine, and reconnect with the things that are most important to them; to live for the moment, and share experiences that are family-focused, fun for everyone (not just the kids), and to enjoy the unique landscape that East Gippsland is reputed for.

This innovative promotion was delivered entirely online, predominantly via Facebook and Instagram, and ran for an 8-week period throughout spring. The purpose was to increase visitation and the length of stays in Lakes Entrance during that period, as well as encouraging forward bookings for the peak summer season. 

In addition to digital marketing, the campaign attracted media coverage in publications including Visit Victoria, Time Out Melbourne and Concrete Playground. Further articles promoting the Lakes Entrance region are expected in early 2018 as an extension of the campaign.

The campaign was considered highly successful in increasing awareness and engagement with consumers looking to visit Lakes Entrance. The coastal town has  experienced a bumper summer season so far and this is attributed to the campaign’s contribution to helping drive increased interest in the region.

Shane Kidd from LEADA says, “LEADA was very impressed with the reach and interaction that this social media and online campaign achieved, by working with the marketing professionals at EGMI. Our future campaigns will be managed by EGMI, as it's important for local business associations to work in partnership with their peak tourism bodies for brand consistency and measurable results."

Adds Karly McCaskill, Marketing Manager for East Gippsland Marketing Inc, “By developing future tourism promotions in partnership with tourism bodies such as LEADA, we can create bigger and better campaigns, and get more of our businesses involved. Ultimately, we can create better results for our tourism industry."

March 28, 2017 

Help raise much needed funds for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal by coming along to meet neurologist and part-time pilot, Assoc. Prof. Andrew Kornberg as he travels across Australia, reconnecting with eight of his young patients. 

This event will be held at The Bairnsdale Club, with a percentage of ticket sales going to the Good Friday Appeal. 

To book a seat call The Bairnsdale Club on 5152 4301, or for more info email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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