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Over 1700 people will take part in five big sports and recreation events in Warrnambool over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
The city is hosting the Warrnambool Pickleball Open at the Warrnambool Stadium, the Warrnambool Yoga Festival at the Emmanuel Centre, the Coast to Crater Clash BMX event at Jetty Flat, the Victorian Inflatable Rescue Boat Championships at the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club and the Warrnambool Swimming Club Two-Day Short-Course Meet at AquaZone.
With the majority of participants travelling to Warrnambool specifically for these events, Warrnambool Mayor Ben Blain said that they would provide a boost for the local economy during the quieter winter period.
“It’s great to have Warrnambool so busy over the winter,” he said.
“As a coastal city, our peak season is of course during the summer, and that’s why events like these are so important during winter.
“They bring people to our city which is great news for local businesses, especially accommodation and hospitality, and they also provide locals with quality experiences.
“It really speaks to the heart of our events strategy, which is to look at ways we can make Warrnambool a thriving city for events and activities 12 months of the year.
“We are open all year round.”
Applications for funding via Council’s Festivals and Events Fund 2025/2026 are now open and close on June 29, with Cr Blain encouraging anyone considering hosting an event to read the guidelines to see if they are eligible for Council support.
“If there are any other events that want to come to Warrnambool, whether it’s over summer, whether it’s over winter, please put in (for a grant) because Council really wants to support you and make sure that fund is used to really add to the vibrancy of the city,” he said.