No images? Click here
In this update
- News from Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre
- Rutherglen Community Garden Open Day
- Scion x Grace Wine List Takeover
- Super Tuscan Friday at James & Co. Wines
- Opening of the First Nations Canoe and Pronged Spear
- Between the Lines at Wahgunyah School of Arts Hall
- Old ANZ Bank 125 years celebration and open day
- Lake Moodemere Estate Fireside Dinner
- Roam Rutherglen
- News from Chiltern Visitor Information Centre
- Beginner ink workshop with Lisa Bishop
- Chiltern Heritage Rally
- Six Artists Exhibition
- Industry News and Support
- Business Sentiment Survey 2025
- Regional Events Fund applications now open
- Nominations now open for 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards
From Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre
Hello everyone,
The beautiful autumn weather continues to draw people to Rutherglen, whether it's for wine tasting, Main Street shopping or riding the Rutherglen Loops. It's wonderful to see the area so busy.
Next week (19 - 25 May) is Volunteers Week. The Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre would not be able to run without our amazing volunteers; they generously give up their time to ensure visitors get the best out of their stay in the region. To celebrate, we're holding an afternoon tea at the centre on Wednesday 21 May from 2:30pm. Please pop in to say hi and pass on your thanks to our volunteers. You never know - you might even nab yourself a scone, jam and cream!
We are currently out of stock of the Winemakers of Rutherglen wineries map. As soon as they are back in stock, we will let you know.
Have a wonderful fortnight.
From the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre team
Rutherglen Community Garden Open Day
Rutherglen Community Garden
High Street, Rutherglen
Sunday 18 May
10:00am - 11:00am
The new Rutherglen Community Garden is located in front of the cattle shed at the Rutherglen Showgrounds, facing High Street.
At this open day, visitors will receive a warm welcome with updates on progress, have opportunities to ask questions, contribute to future planning, and complete questionnaires to help shape this growing community space.
Scion x Grace Wine List Takeover
Grace. bar + eatery
84 Main Street, Rutherglen
Saturday 24 May
It’s Scion’s 21st birthday and to celebrate, Scion are taking over Grace’s wine list for one day (and night) only. Book for lunch, dinner or snacks in between!
This isn’t a traditional wine lunch or dinner, it’s a Choose Your Own Adventure from Grace’s a la carte menu and a catalogue of Scion’s greatest hits.
Winemaker Rowly will be cruising the floor for those keen to chat about the wines or other topics including, but not limited to, fishing, design and gravel riding.
Super Tuscan Friday
James & Co. Wines
136 Main Street, Rutherglen
Friday 30 May
5:00pm onwards
On the last Friday of every month, the James & Co. Wines team joins up with their mates at Pizza By Five Letters, for a night of incredible Italian-style pizza, cool climate Sangiovese and Italian style wines and easygoing Friday night vibes. No bookings are required, just roll in from 5:00pm.
Opening of the First Nations Canoe and Pronged Spear
Rotary Deck, Lake King, Rutherglen
Saturday 31 May
2:00pm - 4:30pm
Arts Rutherglen is proud to welcome community to celebrate the official opening of the First Nations Canoe and Pronged Spear by Lorraine Connelly-Northey. The work is Lorraine's tribute to Yackaduna (Tommy McRae), his art and his life.
Afternoon tea will be provided (please note: no alcohol). RSVP for catering purposes to Gail: glesley28@gmail.com or 0418 384 303.
Between the Lines
Wahgunyah School of Arts Hall
35 Foord Street, Wahgunyah
Saturday 31 May
Doors 6:00pm, show 6:30pm
Wahgunyah School of Arts Hall presents Stella Anning and Michael J Brady.
Michael (Sydney) and Stella (Melbourne) bonded over their mutual love of jazz and songwriting on the other side of the world last year. Since then, both have ventured deeper into the world of songwriting and are excited to share a body of work that brings together their improvisational roots with stories told through melody, lyrics and harmony.
Old ANZ Bank 125 years celebration and open day
Amberesque B&B
80 Main Street, Rutherglen
Sunday 1 June
10:00am - 1:00pm
The old ANZ Bank (now Amberesque B&B) opened its doors 125 years ago this year, and Amber and Shannon want to celebrate the building's incredible milestone with the Rutherglen community.
The open day will kick off with cake and refreshments, followed by kids' activities, including a scavenger hunt and colouring competition. All are welcome to view behind-the-scenes and learn about the bank's history.
Lake Moodemere Estate Fireside Dinner
Lake Moodemere Estate
12 Moodemere Road, Rutherglen
Friday 6 June
7:00pm - 10:30pm
Experience the Lakeside Wine Bar at night. Join the team from Lake Moodemere Estate for an unforgettable evening of good vibes and lakeside magic. Indulge in the winter harvest and the acoustic music of the Nigel Date Duo. Prepare to be warm as the wood fires of the heritage cellar door blaze.
Roam Rutherglen
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June
10:00am - 4:00pm
Experience Australia's longest-running wine festival, reimagined for 2025! Explore 17 prestigious wineries in the picturesque Rutherglen region over the June long weekend with Roam Rutherglen.
This legendary festival celebrates over 50 years of bringing wine enthusiasts together, offering something for everyone - from classic varietals to innovative Muscat cocktails. Enjoy the infectious atmosphere with live music, vibrant cellar doors, and unforgettable dance floor moments.
Choose your adventure as a Festival Lover or Wine Lover, with convenient hop-on, hop-off buses connecting all venues. Bring your friends, designate a driver (non-alcoholic options available), and craft your perfect wine journey through Rutherglen. Festival outfits encouraged!
Chiltern Visitor Information Centre Update
Hello everyone,
This week, fashion-savvy locals and visitors should head to Jillayne & Co on Conness Street, where you'll find a wonderful selection of clothing and homewares at an impressive 50% off. They're open Thursday through Sunday for your shopping pleasure.
Coffee lovers rejoice - Lulu & Didge has expanded to opening seven days a week, and is now serving breakfast Wednesday through Sunday. That's even more opportunities to enjoy your caffeine fix while exploring our beautiful town!
Don’t forget, the information centre team is here to assist you to create or renew your Explore Chiltern website business listing. Please join in and help make Chiltern’s online presence richer and our town a must-visit destination! Your website listing (technical term - Australian Tourism Data Warehouse or ‘ATDW’ listing) appears on our own Explore Chiltern website, the regional website Victoria’s High Country and Visit Victoria – one listing reaching an audience of millions.
Once again, your listing is totally free as Council is subsidising the cost of renewal for you (it’s normally $295). To receive your promo code for a free listing, or if you need any help, please contact the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre on 02 6033 6306.
Have a fantastic fortnight.
Chiltern Visitor Information Centre Team
Beginner ink workshop with Lisa Bishop
Lisa Bishop Studio and Art Store
Shop 4/47 Conness Street, Chiltern
Saturday 17 May
12:00pm - 2:30pm
Join artist Lisa Bishop for a fun and creative experience at her studio and art store. Learn the basics of working with alcohol inks and create your own unique masterpiece under Lisa's expert guidance. No prior experience is necessary - just come with an open mind and a willingness to experiment.
Chiltern Heritage Rally
The Goods Shed, Wills Street, Chiltern
Sunday 18 May
9:00am onwards
Step back in time with displays of vintage engines, motorcycles, cars, tractors, and even a 1900s pushbike collection. This event features working exhibits of yesteryear's machinery, historic CFA displays, and much more.
Enjoy live music, kids' activities, Moos Brew Coffee and catering by Chiltern Girl Guides. A perfect Sunday outing for the whole family.
Six Artists Exhibition
Chiltern Courthouse
58 Main Street, Chiltern
Friday 6 - Monday 9 June
10:00am - 4:00pm
Held over the June long weekend, the Six Artists Exhibition is delighted to have Inga Hanover, a well-known Beechworth artist, curating the works this year. Pieces include a wide variety of art; from weaving to watercolour, abstract and landscapes.
This year’s exhibition features works by Sharon Barry, Chris Dormer, Louise Hazelton, Serena Rachel, Birgit Schonafinger and Tanya Webber.
Events
Please list your events on ATDW so that they appear on this calendar. Your event listing will also appear on explorerutherglen.com.au or explorechiltern.com.au, Victoria’s High Country and Visit Victoria's websites. If you require assistance please contact the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre.
Friday 16 May - Taste of England at Tuileries SOLD OUT
Saturday 17 May - Beginner ink workshop with Lisa Bishop
Saturday 17 May - Open Mic at Telegraph Hotel
Sunday 18 May - Rutherglen Community Garden Open Day
Sunday 18 May - Chiltern Heritage Rally
Saturday 24 May - Scion x Grace Wine List Takeover
Sunday 25 May - Sunday Series at The Victoria Hotel
Friday 30 May - Super Tuscan Friday at James & Co Wines
Saturday 31 May - Opening of Arts Rutherglen First Nations Canoe and Pronged Spear at Lake King Wetlands
Saturday 31 May - Between the Lines at Wahgunyah School of Arts Hall
Sunday 1 June - Chiltern Winter Market
Sunday 1 June - Old ANZ Bank (Amberesque) 125 years celebration and open day
Friday 6 - Monday 9 June - Six Artists Exhibition at Chiltern Courthouse
Friday 6 June - Lake Moodemere Estate Fireside Dinner
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June - Roam Rutherglen
Sunday 8 June - Sunday Series at The Victoria Hotel
Saturday 14 June - Beginner spoon carving workshop with Nat Ord
Industry News and Support
Business Sentiment Survey 2025
Council's Economic Development Team’s annual Business Sentiment Survey is underway and they’re seeking valuable input from all Indigo Shire businesses, especially those who participated in the survey last year.
The anonymous survey takes just minutes to complete and will help the team measure how business sentiment has changed since May 2024.
The team will then collate the aggregated data to provide a snapshot of how business operators are feeling across Indigo Shire this year and compare with the results of May 2024. The results will be reported in June 2025.
Your participation directly supports our efforts to develop targeted strategies that strengthen Indigo Shire's economy and business community.
Regional Events Fund - Event Growth and Development
The Regional Events Fund (REF) has been established to attract and support events held in regional Victoria that bring visitors from outside the region, create job opportunities and contribute to the local visitor economy.
Funding of up to $500,000 is available in Stream 2 - Event Growth and Development to grow the impact of medium to large scale events in the regions.
Applications will be considered from private and public sector groups and organisations from 1 May 2025, closing on 30 June 2025.
Nominations now open - 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards
The Victorian Tourism Awards are the pinnacle of excellence for the Victorian tourism industry.
The Awards encourage businesses to meet and exceed industry standards, and play an integral role in acknowledging business excellence, innovation, professionalism and collaboration.
This year with an increased focus on business sustainability, the questions have been updated and simplified, making it easier for entrants to enter in the many categories.
Nominations close on Wednesday 28 May 2025.
