Hunter Valley: The Crown Jewel of Our Region 🍇
What a day at Ben Ean Estate! We unpacked why the Hunter Valley is the crown jewel of our region, and how its success drives our entire economy forward. 🍇✨
What an incredible day we had at the Regional Roadshow in Cessnock, presented by the Hunter Innovation Festival! Our lunch conversation at the stunning Ben Ean Estate focused on a key takeaway: while the Hunter region's economy is vast and diverse, the Hunter Valley is its crown jewel. It's not just an economic driver; it's a powerful brand that defines our image, attracts visitors and investment, and is essential for our future growth.
We were joined by an amazing group of people—from local winemakers and tourism providers to government representatives and investors—all united by a strong passion to see this area thrive for future generations. We've agreed to work together to refine the outcomes of this event and support Singleton City Council and our local winemakers in implementing innovative ideas to promote this incredible part of our region.
A special thank you to our speakers; Jennie Curran - CEO of Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association, Alisdair Tulloch - Vineyard & Operations Manager at Keith Tulloch Wine & co-owner of Aeon Wines, Caroline Booth - Economic & Tourism Manager for Cessnock City Council and Jorge Castillo - CEO & Creative Partner at Canvas Group, who all set the scene so thoughtfully for our boardroom discussion. Shout out to Hunter iF Board Directors; Alex Brennan (Chair), Cameron Burnes (Treasurer), Caroline Booth and Brett Thomas for supporting the community to champion, unite and scale innovation in the Hunter.
SLIDES
Economic Importance: A Thriving Hub! 💰
The Hunter Valley isn't just picturesque; it's a major economic driver! Here's why:
Pillar of the Visitor Economy: As Australia's oldest and most visited commercial wine region, it anchors a tourism sector worth over $641 million annually. This is a huge boost for our wineries, restaurants, hotels, and local businesses.
Job Creation: This vibrant industry creates countless jobs, both directly and indirectly, strengthening our regional economy.
Economic Diversification: While the wider Hunter is known for mining and manufacturing, the Valley offers a crucial contrast, less susceptible to global commodity price swings. As we move towards a net-zero economy, our visitor economy, with the Hunter Valley at its heart, will be even more vital for our future.
Reputation & Branding: Our Global Ambassador! 🌍
The Hunter Valley isn't just a place; it's a brand!
International Recognition: When people worldwide think "Hunter," they picture our beautiful vineyards and world-class wines. This global recognition is an incredible marketing tool for the entire region.
Gateway to the Region: For many, the Valley is their first taste of the Hunter. Its positive reputation encourages visits, exposing them to our stunning landscapes, national parks, and vibrant coastal cities like Newcastle and Port Stephens. It's truly a powerful "drawcard."
Symbol of Quality & Lifestyle: Our renowned Semillon, Shiraz, gourmet food, and entertainment scene give the entire Hunter region a reputation for sophistication and quality of life. This helps attract not just tourists but also new residents, businesses, and skilled workers.
Here's to a bright future for the Hunter Valley! 🎉
Join Us for More Innovation
The conversation isn't over yet!
We're hosting a small business event in Singleton on September 12th. This is a great chance to connect with other local entrepreneurs and learn new strategies for growth. REGISTER HERE.
And of course, don't miss the main event! The Hunter Innovation Festival kicks off for 1-day only in Newcastle on Thursday 25 September. It's your chance to dive deeper into the ideas and trends shaping our region's future.