In regional tourism we talk about the journey being as much an experience (if not more) than the destination.

That’s how I have decided to treat 2020 - it has been one hell of a journey, a journey that I have embraced (as like most others in our resilient industry) and will take as much from as I can. Not yet sure what the destination is, but I'm sure it'll be a good one.

2020 LEARNINGS

Here are some of the learnings and highlights I am taking from my 2020 journey…

Producing strategic plans for clients without travelling to meet them and for site visits has not diminished the quality of our work but has provided savings (which we can pass on to clients) and reduced our emissions from travel this year. We’ll be continuing to offer such savings to clients.
At the Sustainable Tourism Training run by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council I met so many great people from around the globe and gained a better appreciation of what we can all do as an industry and as individuals to make this planet a better place for future generations. It really isn’t that hard if we all take action - I look forward to supporting our clients in taking action.
Initiating an informal ‘Friday event bounce back chat’ that connected event professionals from around the globe each Friday has not only created lifelong friendships and an amazing support network but has also resulted in the establishment of Australian Regional Events Alliance in collaboration with Australian Regional Tourism. Watch this space!
Our new sister company rEVENTS Academy has had a cracker of an inaugural year and we have had time to engage with events around the globe to better understand their needs, which we are excited to be delivering on in 2021.
I have learnt that simple things like health, gratitude, time with family and friends, laughter and fresh air are more important than a full schedule and fancy business cards.
Although we did many great projects (I pinch myself every year when I look back on the year that was) a highlight for me was developing a regional event strategy for Destination Gippsland that will see the first ever regional collective formed to develop and grow events across an entire region (that’s 6 Councils collaborating!)
I ran 30km and learnt how to master double unders (Watch this to learn what double unders are) - I am grateful for the extra time I have had to enjoy sport and fitness.
I wish I could say that I have learnt an instrument or another language, but alas I will keep that on the list ;)

IT TAKES A TRIBE!

A big shout out to those that I have the pleasure of working with - you are amazing!

Kushla Gale - my right hand gal
Jen Nielsen - project support and rEVENTS Academy marketing
Jayne Jennings - a team collaborator
Cristy Houghton - the silent creative that makes our work sparkle
Anna Hayward - the wordsmith that works magic

As we get ready to wrap a nice little bow around 2020 (and ship it off to ‘Never-Again Land’) I want to thank our clients and industry colleagues for your support and encouragement over the past 12 months. Heaven knows, we have all needed it!

I look forward to continuing to do great things together with you, as we play our part rebuilding regional tourism across Australia in 2021.

2020, THE YEAR THAT WAS

As we sit and reflect on another amazing year that was, we are overwhelmed with gratitude and pride in who we have worked for and what we have achieved. Take that, COVID-19!

CLIENTS

17 LGAs
7 event committees (+ hundreds more through rEVENTS Academy)
4 tourism operators
1 state tourism organisation
1 regional tourism organisation
1 local tourism organisation
1 business chamber
1 community group

PROJECTS

DESTINATIONS

Tourism Development

Tourism NT – Youth and education tourism strategy
Charters Towers Regional Council – Destination management plan
Leeton Shire Council – Visitor economy activation plan
Edward River Council – Tourism development plan
Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council – Agritourism development plan
Clifton Business Chamber – Tourism development plan, Marketing plan, New event development plan

Case study: Tourism activation plan + mentoring – Bulloo Shire Council

Regional Events Strategies

Destination Gippsland – Regional events strategy
East Gippsland Shire Council- Regional events strategy
Fraser Coast Regional Council – Regional events strategy
Penrith City Council – Events strategy

Case study: Off-peak events strategy – Bass Coast Shire Council

“Destination Gippsland has worked intensively with Tilma Group to create the Gippsland Regional Events Strategy. Tilma Group’s collaborative and inquiring approach, coupled with their dedication and professionalism have been a delight.”

- Janine Hayes, Tourism Project Manager, Destination Gippsland

EVENTS

Australian Bushman’s and Campdraft Association – Event revitalisation and mentoring
Wollondilly Shire Council - Event revitalisation
Paroo Shire Council – New event development
Dark Sky Awakens Festival – Marketing plan
Festival of Hell – Marketing support
Lockyer Valley Regional Council - Event planning guide
Wingecarribee Shire Council / Destination Southern Highlands – Event relocation feasibility report

Case study: Event revitalisation plan – Alice Springs Rotary Henley on Todd Regatta

GRANT APPLICATIONS

This year two clients each received over $300,000 from a single grant (one infrastructure, one events)

Infrastructure

Belisi Wellbeing and Equestrian Centre
Tinkersfield retreat
Bidgee Strawberries and Cream pick-your-own farm

Events

Primex Field Days
Noosa alive!
Wollondilly Shire Council
Snowy Valleys Shire Council

CAPACITY BUILDING

Ballarat City Council – Mentoring
Wagga Wagga City Council - Industry development workshops (agritourism and events)
Wimmera Mallee Tourism - Conference presenter

EVENT CAPACITY BUILDING

Our new venture that helps regional event committees be more efficient and achieve better outcomes – rEVENTS Academy – has had a great year with participants from QLD, NSW, VIC and SA:

95 events learned in our event management Master Classes (now available on-demand)
6 regional councils registered over 70 events in customized Master Class programs
20 events used our DIY templates to streamline event management
2 Councils white-labelled our complete suite of DIY templates to provide an event manual for their region’s events
Many event committee members joined the free weekly Events Sector Bounce Back chat we ran from April to December
rEVENTS Academy joined forces with our national lobbying body Australian Regional Tourism (ART) to begin to develop the Australian Regional Events Alliance to support regional tourism events

Case study: Capacity building for regional event committees – Bass Coast Shire Council

Your development - Destination or event

If you would like support to develop your destination or event in 2021, we currently have capacity to take on new clients.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us if we can be of service!

Linda Tillman
0439 192 193
linda@tilmagroup.com.au

Time to wrap a nice lil' bow around 2020 👋