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DONALD the
Heart of Victoria ......... a great place to Stop! Donald Tourism Association Monthly Newsletter DONALD TOURISM NEWS DTA Annual Meeting 	The second annual meeting of the Association was held on July 16, with a good attendance of members. The executive were all returned to office unopposed, with Ray Monish as president, Peter Vallance as vice-president, Coonie Smith as secretary and Gayleen Dunstan as treasurer. In addition, two new positions were created, with Paul Below being elected as press officer, and Kim Williams as publications officer. Any businesses requiring brochures or brochure stands are asked to contact Kim at the Shamrock Hotel, or to let Coonie know. 	Ray reported on the past year's activities, with highlights being the visit to Hobson's Bay, the VORRA event at Easter, and the developments on the website. 	 Tourism Grants 	The Association is in the process of applying for government funding for a number of projects to support tourism to Donald. Projects include developing the Mt. Jeffcott Flora Reserve with picnic facilities, a toilet and parking area, and providing interpretation boards along the walking tracks which deal with the history and ecology of the areas the tracks pass through. An urgent project is a large town and district information board, to be placed in the Mall. It is also hoped to install a caravan dump point, (where vans can empty their sewage systems) which would make Donald a very desirable stopping place for the "grey nomads" and others enjoying life on the road.
Tour Guides 	During the recent illness of one of Donald's stalwart guides, it became obvious that there is a need for a pool of people willing to escort coach tours of visitors around Donald. This involves joining the coach outside the Information Centre mid-morning, and taking people around the town sights, including visiting Kookas, Eatwell, and the Donald Nursery. The tours normally stay in Donald for three to four hours, including lunch at one of the hotels, and guides say goodbye at around three o'clock. The Tourism Association has decided to run a training tour on September 10 for potential guides, so anyone who would like to show off their town to visitors, please contact Coonie Smith on 0428 971 310 or by email to coonie@gjr.net.au.
Website 	More and more business is being conducted over the internet, and the Donald website is attracting a lot of interest and compliments. Jen Baker, who is responsible for maintaining the site, has done an excellent job presenting our town as a vibrant, active community. The site is being used by tourists for bookings, by potential property buyers, and by those who want to see what the town has to offer. The Association aims to make the site a snapshot of everything in Donald, but many organizations and businesses have not taken advantage of the FREE advertising available through this very popular medium. Those who are uncertain how to go about this are urged to look at the site (address above), see how other clubs and businesses are represented, then send their information, however rough, to Jen. She will turn it into a very attractive page on the site.
Baby Boomers' Festival A steering committee made up of various key organizations, including the Donald Tourism Association, has met over the last few weeks, trying to decide a date and format for next year's festival, to make it a must for visitors.
National Off-Road Racing 	Donald has been chosen as the venue for the National Off-Road Racing Championships in May next year, and this will be a wonderful opportunity for Donald to show itself at its best to hundreds of people from around Australia. Up to three thousand people are expected to attend the event, which will give a huge boost to the local economies of all towns around Donald, as people seek food, accommodation and fuel. The Association is very keen to make this a memorable event for all who attend.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SHOW OFF OUR TOWN Donald Tourism Association is seeking people willing to train as TOUR GUIDES for buses which come to Donald on day trips.
Come on the Training Tour Monday September 10 Tour departs Information Center 10.45, Ends 2.45 Lunch at the Donald Hotel at own expense. $5 Donation to cover fuel.
Those willing to participate, contact Coonie Smith 5497 1244(OH) 5497 1310 (AH) Mob. 0428 971 310 or email coonie@gjr.net.au
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©Copyright Donald Tourism Association 2007.... ©Copyright Donald 2000 2007 |