Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, help us plan for 2022

Published on 16 July 2021

Council would like to thank the businesses and communities of the Macedon Ranges who participated in this year’s inaugural Autumn Festival.

The festival concept delivered over 30 community and business driven events during the 2021 Festival program which ran between March 27 and April 25.

To help plan for 2022, Council is seeking feedback and ideas from the community. Share your thoughts and ideas until 2 August 2021 on the Autumn Festival webpage or complete a hardcopy feedback form at our Visitor Information Centres or Customer Service Centres.

Angela Hughes, Director Planning and Environment encouraged businesses and residents to share their thoughts for the 2022 festival, which will focus on promoting a program of events and experiences that encourages visitors and locals to experience all the Macedon Ranges has to offer during autumn.

“Autumn is already a popular time for visitors in the shire, and the Autumn Festival aims to broaden the focus from the hot spots of Mount Macedon and Honour Avenue. We want to encourage visitors and locals to explore attractions and experiences throughout the entire shire, including autumn drives and walks, food and beverage promotions, workshops and events,” said Ms Hughes.

“After a tough year for tourism and hospitality in 2020, Council moved quickly to champion this new event in early 2021 as a means of connecting community, stimulating tourism and assisting with business recovery. Council is now asking for creative input to help formulate ideas to guide local business, community organisations, event organisers and Council as we develop a 2022 Autumn Festival program.

“We’re looking to improve on communication with local businesses and community and make them a part of the journey from planning to execution,” said Ms Hughes.

Council would like to extend a special thanks to the Macedon Ranges Accommodation Association, Vignerons Association, and township Business and Tourism Associations for their support and participation.

Ms Hughes also thanked those organisations who have already given feedback, including the Macedon Ranges Accommodation Association, and Romsey Region Business and Tourism Association.

Andrew Towner, President, Macedon Ranges Accommodation Association said “Sharing the natural beauty of the Macedon Ranges with visitors helps support small businesses throughout the shire.

Following the success of the 2021 festival we look forward to working with Council to develop future Autumn Festivals for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.”

Jenny Stillman, President, Romsey Region Business and Tourism Association (RRBATA) is also looking forward to next year.

“On behalf of the Romsey Region Business and Tourism Association, I write to thank Macedon Ranges Shire Council for the wonderful support which resulted in a very successful inaugural Romsey Progressive Dinner event. The RRBATA committee is interested in running the event again and can see potential for elevating it to be something truly special for the eastern corridor specifically and the Macedon Ranges’ Autumn Festival more generally.”