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News: 27th October
- National Tourism Business Listings
- Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre News
- Rutherglen Recognised on Victoria's Biggest Dining Stage
- What's On in Rutherglen
- Lake Moodemere Regatta Returns
- Asian Bento at James & Co Wines
- Cup Eve Brunch & Bubbles at The Pickled Sisters Cafe
- Rutherglen Market at Lions Park
- Jones Winery Craft Market
- Chiltern Visitor Information Centre News
- What's On in Chiltern
- Chiltern Art Exhibition with the Artist Collective
- Our Classic Australian Film Nights
- Chiltern Community Garage Sale
- Open Mic at the Telegraph Hotel
- Industry News
- Research and Revenue Management for Accommodation Businesses
- AusNet's Helping Our Mission for Equity (HOME) Grants
Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre News
Hello everyone,
The festive season is starting to make its presence felt in Rutherglen, and if the stunning front window display at Hennessy Home & Garden is anything to go by, Christmas is just around the corner!
With only 8 weeks until Christmas, we're also getting into the festive spirit at the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre, stocking up on plenty of local products for our much-loved Christmas hampers.
These popular gifts are always a hit with both visitors and locals, showcasing the very best of our region.
Meanwhile, Amber from Amberesque B&B has been hard at work creating her beautiful Christmas wreaths from sparkling wine cages, ready to help bring some festive cheer to Main Street. The Visitor Information Centre is a collection point for wine cages, so if you have any spare sparkling wine cages at home, we'd love you to drop them in.
We're also looking forward to a busy and exciting long Melbourne Cup weekend, with the Lake Moodemere Regatta set to bring plenty of activity and visitors to the region.
There are also some wonderful dining experiences on offer throughout November, with a range of special events, make sure you secure your spot today.
Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre team
What's On in Rutherglen
Lake Moodemere Regatta Returns
Lake Moodemere Road, Rutherglen
Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November
8am onwards
Rowing enthusiasts and spectators alike can look forward to the return of the Lake Moodemere Regatta, proudly recognised as Australia’s oldest rowing regatta.
Racing will commence from 8.00am each day, with competitors taking to the water in a showcase of skill, tradition, and sporting excellence. Visitors are invited to enjoy the exciting on-water action while taking in the scenic beauty of Lake Moodemere.
Entry is free, so come along and experience a unique piece of Australian sporting history. The event will be fully catered, making it the perfect outing for families, friends, and visitors to the region.
Asian Bento at James & Co Wines
James & Co Wines
Fowles Road, Rutherglen
Sunday 1 November
5pm - 6pm
Celebrate the Melbourne Cup long weekend with an evening of Asian-inspired bento, premium local wine and live music by Paddy Russell. Guest chef Grace from Milk in Kitchen will be serving pre-ordered bento boxes in a relaxed winery setting. It's the perfect way to enjoy great food, wine and music in Rutherglen wine country.
Cup Eve Brunch & Bubbles
The Pickled Sisters Café + Restaurant
3 Main Street, Rutherglen
Monday 2 November
10am - 12pm
A little bubbles, a lovely brunch and a long, leisurely start to Cup Eve in The Pickled Sisters' beautiful courtyard. Guests will enjoy a glass of sparkling on arrival, shared nibbles, two seasonal courses, coffee and a sweet treat to finish. Dress up, gather friends and make a celebration of the Melbourne Cup long weekend.
Rutherglen Market
Rutherglen Market
Lions Park, High Street, Rutherglen
Sunday 8 November
9am - 1pm
Discover the best of the region at the popular Rutherglen Market. Browse stalls filled with fresh local produce, artisan goods, handmade gifts, plants and delicious food while meeting the makers behind the products.
Jones Winery Craft Market
Jones Winery & Vineyard
40 Jones Road, Rutherglen
Sunday 22 November
10am - 3pm
Celebrate local creativity and country hospitality at the Jones Winery Craft Market. Browse artisan stalls featuring handmade gifts, local produce and unique regional products while enjoying a festive atmosphere among the winery gardens.
Visitors can also book a French-inspired lunch box packed with seasonal local ingredients and enjoy it with a glass of Jones wine under the trees.
Chiltern Visitor Information Centre News
Hello everyone,
Chiltern has been buzzing in recent weeks, with sold-out audiences filling the historic Old Star Theatre for Chiltern CLAP's latest production, If These Walls Could Talk. Celebrating the theatre's rich history through music, storytelling and plenty of humour, the show was a wonderful showcase of the creativity and community spirit that make Chiltern so special. Congratulations to all the performers who put on such a spectacular show.
Looking ahead, the Chiltern Art Exhibition opens tomorrow evening, bringing together an inspiring collection of works from talented local and regional artists. We're looking forward to seeing the exhibition in person and celebrating the creativity of our artistic community. Visitors will be welcomed by guest speaker and artist Helen Hay at the official opening, with drinks, fine food and plenty of conversation making for a wonderful evening. Be sure to stop by and don't forget to bring cash for the $8 entry fee (children attend free).
We shall see what the warmer weather brings us next, so far it hasn't disappointed us!
Have a wonderful week,
Chiltern Visitor Information Centre team
What's On in Chiltern
Chiltern Art Exhibition with the Artist Collective
Chiltern Courthouse
58 Main Street, Chiltern
Friday 30 October 2026
Opening Night
Discover the creativity and talent of regional artists at the annual Chiltern Art Exhibition, presented by the Chiltern Courthouse and Chiltern Artist Collective. Browse and purchase works across a range of mediums including painting, drawing, ceramics, photography and sculpture.
The official opening features guest speaker and renowned local metal artist Helen Hay, with drinks and fine food available on the night. Free entry for children.
Our Classic Australian Film Nights
Star Theatre
36 Main Street, Chiltern
November 2026
Enjoy two classic Australian film nights hosted by the Chiltern Lions Club's FLICS (Film Lions International Chiltern Society) at the Star Theatre. Each evening includes a BBQ dinner, film screening, discussion and supper. Tickets are $35 per person, with bookings and pre-payment essential.
Hercules Returns (1993, M)
Saturday 7 November
6.45pm
A much-loved Australian comedy starring Bruce Spence, Mary Coustas and David Argue. When a cinema manager's opening night is sabotaged, the team hilariously improvises live dialogue for an unsuspecting audience.
Ride Like a Girl (2019, PG)
Saturday 28 November
6.45pm
This inspiring Australian drama tells the story of Michelle Payne's journey to become the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, featuring Teresa Palmer and Sam Neill.
Book by Wednesday 4 November, email hotson@westnet.com.au or chilternlionstreasurer@gmail.com or call Lois Hotson on 0457 262 358. You can also book in person at the Chiltern Post Office.
Chiltern Community Garage Sale
Main Street and locations throughout Chiltern
Sunday 15 November
8am - 4pm
Spend the day treasure hunting at the Chiltern Community Garage Sale, where locals open their garages and yards in search of new homes for pre-loved goods. Pick up a map from the Visitor Information Centre in Main Street or Bogetti's Antiques in Conness Street and explore the many sale sites across town. While you're in town, enjoy a coffee, browse the town's unique retailers and soak up the Chiltern charm.
Open Mic at the Telegraph Hotel
Telegraph Hotel
24 Conness Street
Saturday 17 November
3pm - 6pm
Open Mic returns to the Telegraph Hotel, inviting local musicians, singers and performers to take the stage for an afternoon of live entertainment with a complimentary drink provided to all performers.
Whether you're new to performing or have played plenty of times, everyone is welcome! Come enjoy a drink with plenty of lively conversation, connection and music.
Events
Please list your events on ATDW (Single National Platform) so they appear on this calendar. Your event will also appear on:
explorerutherglen.com.au
explorechiltern.com.au
victoriashighcountry.com.au
visitvictoria.comIf you require assistance, the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre staff are happy to help.
Friday 30 October - Super Tuscan Friday at James and Co
Friday 30 October - Monday 2 November - Chiltern Art Exhibition with the Artist Collective
Saturday 31 October - Sunday 1 November - Lake Moodemere Rowing Regatta
Sunday 1 November - Asian Bento at James and Co Wines
Friday 6 November - Chiltern Jam Night at Posh Plonk
Saturday 7 November - Music on the Murray at St Leonards Vineyard
Saturday 7 November - Classic Aussie Film Nights: Hercules Returns (1993, M)
Saturday 7 November - Woodworking Courses at Indigo Woodworks
Saturday 8 November - The Sunday Series feat. Aaron Oldaker
Saturday 14 November - Sri Lanka at Jones Winery and Restaurant
Sunday 15 November - Chiltern Community Garage Sale
Sunday 17 November - Open Mic at the Telegraph Hotel
Sunday 22 November - Jones Winery Craft Market
Sunday 22 November - The Sunday series feat. Dave Daly
Saturday 28 November - Classic Aussie Film Nights: Ride Like a Girl (2019, PG)
Industry News
AusNet's Helping Our Mission for Equity (HOME) Grants
AusNet is offering up to $30,000 to support a project or initiative that could improve outcomes for customers and communities on the electricity distribution network.
They are looking for ideas that address a customer or community need, test a new approach, remove a barrier or develop a practical solution.
The HOME Grant is not limited to research. It can support trials, tools, services, activities and other practical initiatives.
Applications are open to individuals and organisations, including researchers, businesses, community and not-for-profit organisations and collaborative groups.
Projects must have a clear connection to customers or communities on AusNet’s electricity distribution network
For upcoming grants, be aware support is available via our tourism team. Email us to find out how we may be able to support your application: tourism@indigoshire.vic.gov.au
Key information:
• Funding available: Up to $30,000
• Applications close: Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:59 pm
• Project completion: Thursday 30 September 2027
Research and Revenue Management for Accommodation Businesses
Join a practical in-person workshop exploring the latest data and insights for Victoria’s High Country to better understand how visitors are choosing and booking accommodation, including:
• Preferred accommodation trends
• Visitor budgets and spend
• Key facilities and features
• Travel motivations and booking behaviour
Designed for all accommodation providers, from B&Bs and holiday rentals through to motels and larger operations, the session is structured, hands-on, and focused on what you can apply straight away.
Benefit from real-world revenue management strategies, tailored for High Country operators.
Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, Wangaratta
Thursday 26 November
10.30am - 4pm
Tourism & Event Listings
AI is now picking up information from our ATDW-fed tourism websites, so it's more important than ever to make sure your ATDW listing is up-to-date.
Not sure what ATDW is all about? Reach out to the team for help to get listed or updated. The Tourism team also cover the listing fee – so it is free for your business. ATDW profile help here.
Once listed, your business loads to six sites including:
Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre
Email: info@explorerutherglen.com.au
Phone: 1800 622 871
