A new International Engagement Strategy has been adopted to guide how the City of Greater Bendigo builds meaningful global connections that deliver real benefits for the local community.
The strategy is a key outcome of the Budget 2025-2026, supporting the City's commitment to a thriving future and a stronger local economy.
The strategy will provide the City with a clear, focused approach to these opportunities. It will help determine where time and resources are best directed, ensuring decisions are made in ways that maximise benefits for Greater Bendigo.
International engagement includes both bringing opportunities into Greater Bendigo and helping local businesses and organisations connect with the world.
The Strategy brings together trade, investment, tourism, education, workforce attraction, cultural exchange, First Nations engagement and connections within the region's cultural and linguistically diverse communities.
The City's role is to align these areas and make it easier to access international markets, networks and collaborators and build connections globally.
The strategy sets out five main directions:
- Strategic Direction 1 - Grow Bendigo's visitor economy and international profile through readiness first
- Strategic Direction 2 - Focus Bendigo on priority relationships where advantage is real
- Strategic Direction 3 - Make Bendigo's economic strengths visible, investable, and export-ready
- Strategic Direction 4 - Build education, skills and workforce pathways that support local growth
- Strategic Direction 5 - Deliver through partnerships with focus and community confidence
Deputy Mayor Cr Karen Corr said the strategy was a key step in ensuring Greater Bendigo's global connections deliver long-term value.
"International relationships can open doors for local businesses, create new learning and cultural experiences, and help attract investment that supports our region's growth," Cr Corr said.
"This strategy will ensure we take a coordinated approach so that partnerships benefit our community."
The International Engagement Strategy was adopted at Council last Monday, July 20, 2026. The strategy was informed by economic research and public consultation with community members, organisations, and businesses in the region.
