In this update

• News from Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre 
  • Super Tuscan Friday at James & Co. Wines
  • Congratulations Victoria Hotel and Chef Brendan Anderson
  • 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
  • King's High Tea at Tuileries
  • Roam Rutherglen
  • Winter Graze at Campbells Wines
  • Rutherglen Rotary Country Fair
• News from Chiltern Visitor Information Centre
  • Chiltern Winter Market
  • Six Artists Exhibition

  • Beginner spoon carving workshop with Nat Ord 

• Industry News and Support
  • Indigo Quarterly Tourism Snapshot
  • Business Sentiment Survey 2025 - last chance
  • Regional Events Fund applications

From Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre

Hello everyone, 

It’s been lovely to see some rain recently - it’s brought a fresh new feel to the region!

Things have been bustling here at the Centre, with plenty of visitors passing through and enjoying extended stays in our beautiful area. The new Rutherglen Silo Art has been a standout attraction, drawing lots of positive comments for its vibrant and unique design - so different from other silo artworks around the country.

We had a wonderful afternoon tea on Wednesday 21 May with two volunteers receiving their 20 years of service, Lorraine Thompson and Margaret Brown. We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing team of volunteers who are so passionate about sharing Rutherglen with our visitors.

The Country Women's Association (CWA) is exploring the establishment of a new branch in Rutherglen and invites community members to an information session on Monday 2 June at 6:00pm at the Star Hotel (Red Room). The evening will include a relaxed meal and aims to gauge community interest in a potential CWA branch in Rutherglen. For more details, contact Barb Ireland on 0419 396 695.

Wishing you all a fantastic King’s Birthday long weekend—fingers crossed for sunshine as everyone gets out to enjoy Roam Rutherglen and the Country Fair!

Have a wonderful fortnight. 

From the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre team

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. 

Congratulations The Victoria Hotel and Chef Brendan Anderson 

The Victoria Hotel was awarded Best Redeveloped Hotel, with Chef Brendan Anderson also being named Chef of the Year at the 2025 AHA Victoria State Awards for Excellence, held on Monday 19 May 2025. 

A warm congratulations to Brendan and the entire team.

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.

King's High Tea at Tuileries

Tuileries at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate
13-35 Drummond Street Rutherglen
Saturday 7 June
11:30am - 1:00pm

Celebrate the King’s Birthday in style at a royal tea party hosted by Tuileries at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate. Enjoy elegant light bites and a glass of wine in true English fashion. Dress to impress in your finest royal-themed outfit for a chance to win a prize!

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!

Winter Graze at Campbells Wines

Campbells Wines
4603 Murray Valley Highway, Rutherglen
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June
10:00am - 4:00pm

Celebrate the King’s Birthday long weekend at Campbells Wines in Rutherglen with winter release wines, live music, and hearty vineyard platters. Relax by the fireplace at the Cellar Door while enjoying tunes from Dave Daly on Saturday and Luke Dewing on Sunday. No bookings are needed, and leashed dogs are welcome to join the festivities.

Rutherglen Rotary Country Fair 

Sunday 8 June
9:00am - 3:30pm

With over 200 market stalls, you’ll find a fantastic variety of homemade arts and crafts, clothing, tools, fresh produce and more. 

Enjoy delicious hot food and drinks provided by local traders and community groups, all served right outside their premises. Best of all, every dollar raised from the fair goes directly back into projects supporting the Rutherglen and district community. 

Chiltern Visitor Information Centre Update

Hello everyone,

Have you heard of Chiltern's charming Little Libraries that are scattered throughout town? Where you can take a book, return a book, and embrace the community spirit of "read. love. share."? You can find Little Libraries located at the Chiltern Bakery, Chiltern Neighbourhood House, Chiltern Information Centre, and Barnawartha Post Office.

The Chiltern Antiques Fair returns this August, and the organising team is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help make this event shine. Whether you can spare two hours for door duties, lend a hand in the kitchen, arrange beautiful flowers, or assist traders with Friday setup, your contribution would be greatly appreciated. Please reach out to community.chilterntourism@gmail.com if you would like to be involved. 

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

Chiltern Winter Market

Chiltern Memorial Hall and Senior Citizens Hall
Conness Street, Chiltern
Sunday 1 June
9:00am - 1:00pm

The Chiltern Winter Market is on this Sunday and is fully booked with fabulous stallholders, including new treasures and returning favourites.

Wander through Chiltern Memorial Hall, Senior Citizens Hall, and further along Conness Street to check out the great local Chiltern shops.

It’s all indoors, so come rain, shine or winter chill - you’re covered!

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. 

Beginner spoon carving workshop with Nat Ord 

Nat Ord Artist Studio
53 Conness Street, Chiltern 
Saturday 14 June 
10:00am - 4:00pm

Immerse yourself in this intimate full-day greenwood spoon carving workshop, where you'll transform raw materials into a functional cooking utensil using traditional hand-carving techniques.

Expert instruction from local artist Nat Ord ensures safe tool handling as you craft a personalised spoon to take home. All necessary tools, materials, and morning refreshments are provided (please bring lunch).

Open to participants ages 14 and older - perfect for both beginners and those looking to refine their woodworking skills.

Industry News and Support