The month-long event presented by Warrnambool City Council in partnership with Moyne Shire Council is aimed at ‘inspiring and motivating regional businesses’.

Boasting 14 events ranging from IT advice to energy smarts and site visits, organisers of this year’s festival are hoping it will generate some fresh ideas. 

Speaking at the festival launch ‘Beers and Ideas’ coordinator Sinead Murphy said she hoped more community members would get involved.

“It’s about planting the seeds for new ideas and inspiring people to have the courage to get involved in place-making,” she said.

Ms Murphy’s creative concept has grown from 75 participants in October 2017, to more than 130 in July.

“There are so many unique, creative events here in Warrnambool, even in winter,” she said. “I am being contacted by people with ideas all the time,”

The award-winning artist reminded community members that more was needed to grow from concept to fruition.

“Ideas are valuable,” she said. “But they don’t happen by accident, they take time and passion.”

Moyne Shire Council’s economic development officer Loren Tuck has assisted in the design of several of the festival events.

She was quick to point out that celebrating the region was paramount.

“Being a regional business is not a hindrance it’s an asset,” she said.

“Some of our local businesses are learning how to really embrace that.”