Shire features in Channel 9 series

Published on Friday, 19 May 2023 at 8:00:00 AM

Dardanup and the Ferguson Valley will feature on Sunday’s Channel 9 Episode of Destination WA in a Shire of Dardanup project to draw visitors to the area.

Airing at 5.30pm, the program will show viewers how discovering and sharing the stories of its past are paving the way for a bright future in the historic South West town of Dardanup and its picturesque hinterland, the Ferguson Valley.

Presenter Diana Hills visits Dardanup and meets with Dardanup Heritage Collective secretary Janice Calcei for a personal tour and demonstration of the town’s new Heritage Trail.

Diana is then drawn into the Ferguson Valley where she stops by the newly installed Valley Frame art installation by South West artist Andrew Frazer – the first in a planned 15-stop art trail.

Diana encourages visitors to explore the valley’s burgeoning wine industry, boutique breweries, art galleries, markets, eateries and cosy country retreats.

The previous Destination WA series, screened last year, attracted an average of almost 100,000 viewers per episode across metropolitan and regional areas.

Dardanup Shire President Mick Bennett said timing of the episode screening felt like a lovely bookend to celebrations in Dardanup last weekend for the 100th Anniversary of the town’s gazettal.

“Congratulations must go out to the Dardanup Residents’ Association and all its volunteers who put together a magnificent series of events to mark the milestone,” Cr Bennett said.

“Council hopes through working with the Destination WA team, we can help Dardanup and the surrounding Ferguson Valley thrive by attracting a new generation of visitors.”

Council Plan 2022-2032 strived to make the shire a “destination of choice for visitors” as a key outcome under the pillar of Prosperity.

“Objectives listed in our Council Plan, developed in consultation with the community, includes growing visitor numbers by improving tourism infrastructure, experiences and marketing,” Cr Bennett said.

“Destinations WA presented a cost effective opportunity for showcasing what we have to offer to a wide audience while making progress toward our recorded objectives.”

‘Grow tourism markets’ is also listed as an objective in Council’s 2050 Vision document.

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