Economic development and events officer Samantha Fox said the barbecue at the Mount Elephant Visitor Centre was identified in council’s Economic Development Strategy as a way to encourage retention. She said population attraction and retention was a key focus for the shire, because it was an essential factor in economic success and future liveability. 

She said it provided people who were new to the area with the opportunity to meet others, councillors and staff.

The new residents had moved from places including Tasmania, Northern New South Wales, Geelong and Melbourne.

Mrs Fox said attendees commented on how welcoming they had found their respective communities and what a difference it had made to the success of their move.

“The casual barbecue welcome function was the first evening event to be hosted at the Mount Elephant Visitor Centre in Derrinallum, showcasing the new facility and its versatility,” Mrs Fox said.

“We were very lucky with the weather also and received many positive comments about the shire hosting such an event, and also on the centre itself.”

These welcome events are a council initiative to welcome new residents and help them to expand their community networks and meeting other people in the same situation.

A southern event is planned for later in the year.