The History of the Shrine Travelling Exhibition is touring regional Victorian centres from 2006 to 2009. Over 20 leading institutions are hosting this important exhibition which aims to connect all Victorians to the Shrine of Remembrance. The exhibition features information panels, archival photographs and audiovisual material. It traces the Shrine’s fascinating history from concept to construction through to its role as a contemporary commemorative and interactive learning space. The Shrine exhibition will be in Bairnsdale through June and July.

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Quality Ecotours and walks exploring East Gippsland’s National Parks. Imagine wandering along fern l

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The coastal region stretching from Lake Tyers in East Gippsland to Mimosa Rocks National Park in Southern New South Wales and inland towards Bombala was recently presented under the name Australia’s Coastal Wilderness to international tourism and travel representatives at a trade show in Perth. Held at the Australian Tourism Exchange the conference was attended by East Gippsland Mayor, Cr Mendy Urie, CEO Steve Kozlowski and Shire economic development and tourism coordinator Phil Rickards who is chair of the steering committee for Australia’s Coastal Wilderness. Mr Rickards said the launch that was part of the National Landscapes Program signalled a new era for tourism in East Gippsland and Southern New South Wales. “Devised by Tourism Australia and Parks Australia, the program was designed to identify the best of Australia’s natural and cultural landscapes that are inspirational destinations in their own right and that transcend borders and boundaries,” he said. “The landscapes also include Australia’s Red Centre, the Australian Alps, Kakadu, Flinders Ranges, the Great Ocean Road, Australia’s Green Cauldron (Mt Warning and surrounding areas inland from Byron Bay and the Gold Coast) and the Greater Blue Mountains. “These landscapes are to be marketed to the global audience known as Experience Seekers who want to get off the beaten track and immerse themselves in Australian nature and culture.” Mr Rickards said that from a marketing point of view, two of East Gippsland’s most spectacular natural assets, the High Country and parts of the beautiful coastal region would be now promoted internationally alongside other national icons under a high profile brand. “The other great benefit of the program is that it encourages stakeholders including land managers, tourism agencies, local government and industry to work closely together for the conservation of Australia’s outstanding natural and cultural experiences.” Cr Urie said the name chosen for the coastal region - Australia’s Coastal Wilderness – made the statement that we have a world-class destination right here in our own back yard. “Although there are other coastal wilderness areas around Australia our wilderness area is distinguished by its accessibility to visitors coming from Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra and its proximity to unique communities including Mallacoota, Bemm River and Eden that that are bases for exploring spectacular lakes, rivers, forests and beaches. In addtition, the linkage between the two National Landscapes, part of which lie in East Gippsland - Australia's Coastal Wilderness and the Australian Alps means that a strong marketing partnership can be formed. This will enable a more successful delivery of the product to the international and domestic markets so benefitting the tourism industry and numerous communities in both East Gippsland's coastal region and High Country. " she said.