Tourism awards nod for Moama Lights

Published on 02 November 2021

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Murray River Council’s Moama Lights event has been named a finalist in the Festivals and Events category for the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards. 

Now in its 31st year, the NSW Tourism Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the NSW tourism sector.

The Festivals and Events category recognises leisure festivals, events and exhibitions that enhance the profile and appeal of local destinations as well as creating economic impact, increased visitation and community involvement.

Moama Lights has been recognised for the positive effects it had on visitation and activity in the Echuca Moama region.

The awards nod is also on the back of a recent win at this year’s Economic Development Awards for Excellence, where the event was named winner of the ‘Economic Development Initiatives - Regions Under 15,000 Residents’ category.

Murray River Council mayor, Chris Bilkey said the recognition is great for the area and testimony to the hard work of council staff, volunteers and event partners.

“The outcomes from the event have been extremely positive and beneficial to the region.”

“Not only did it stimulate much-welcome economic activity, but it is now getting recognised at both a state and national level,” he said.

Running from the 8-22 May 2021, the event saw over 15,000 tickets registered with visitation from all states and territories across Australia.

An immersive sound and light trail showcasing the story of Echuca Moama, the event featured light installations and projections at Moama’s Horseshoe Lagoon, including theatrical fog, strobe and cutting-edge moving light technology.

Through a post-event survey that captured overnight stays, dining and shopping it is estimated that the economic impact of Moama Lights on the Echuca Moama region is more than $7million.

“Moama Lights delivered an exciting opportunity to offer new experiences for locals and drive visitation to our local area, and we are so pleased that this event has once again been recognised,” Cr Bilkey said. 

Category winners will be announced at the NSW Tourism Awards Gala Dinner at Luna Park Sydney, on Thursday, 3 February 2022.