Acknowledged as one of Australia's most endearing legends, Jack Riley, the Man from Snowy River, will be celebrated along with some of Australia's finest Bush culture as visitors from around the country, and the globe, gather at Corryong in April 2009.

"Congratulations are extended to the Man from Snowy River Bush Festival Committee for their passion and commitment, and for securing a major sponsor for the 2009 event. Tourism delivers significant benefits to the local economy and the Bush Festival alone stimulates $3.2 million. The Bush Festival also provides ongoing opportunities for other operators to capitalise on a captive audience by encouraging repeat custom. "Said David Laugher, CEO for Towong Shire Council

The Tourism Action and Advisory Group are currently developing a range of seasonal packages for visitors in an effort to remain competitive and sustainable in the future. The group is also investigating ways in which operators can work more effectively together irrespective of their locality or shire boundaries.

"I'm really thrilled for the Bush Festival, and know only too well how challenging but also how rewarding, sponsorship partnerships can be for any local event. The Tallangatta 50s Festival looks forward to setting up a display in Corryong in 2008 and 2009, just as the Bush Festival did in Tallangatta last October to pre-promote their event. We are all in the business of tourism, and when we work together, I'm sure we will all get better results." said Cath Cavanagh, Event Coordinator for the Tallangatta 50's Festival and TAG member.

The positive news of a sponsorship partnership with Solar Co of Albury is certainly great news for the broader touring region and Corryong. The product synergies represent mutually positive value also. Towong Shire is located at the pure end of the Murray River, another Australian icon. It is a place of natural beauty and a pristine environment, an aspect that represents a unique point of different in the market place. It also provides opportunity for further investment in new technologies that work in harmony with the environment and primary industries.

Towong Shire Council continues to strive for environmental excellence and this was recently evident at the Victorian Local Government Awards whereby council competed against 79 other local government areas and took out numerous finalist awards, with several relating to environmental initiatives.

"With the wonderful efforts of the Man from Snowy River Bush festival and the ongoing support from other parts of the shire, coupled with support for accreditation and future packaging, Towong Shire has a very healthy future for sustainable tourism development and growth. Once again, congratulations to the Board, an excellent result." said David Laugher