Wagga Wagga City Council has welcomed $382,428 in grant funding from the NSW Government's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to deliver a new Agritourism and Hospitality Capacity Building Program.
The two-year program will strengthen the capabilities of agritourism and hospitality businesses in Wagga Wagga and the surrounding region, as well as upskill locals seeking employment in these sectors.
Through targeted training, professional mentorship and industry exposure, the initiative will equip businesses with the skills, knowledge and networks they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving tourism landscape.
Planned activities include agritourism and hospitality masterclasses, one-on-one business mentorship, industry familiarisation trips and trade event participation, front-of-house skills-based training such as barista training, wine service and bushfood education, and HR advisory services to support staff attraction and retention.
Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Georgie Davies said the funding is a win for the city and wider region.
"This is great news for our city, and in particular our agritourism and hospitality operators and their staff who will directly benefit from this innovative program" Cr Davies said.
"As a result of the funding, Council will be able to deliver vital training, mentorship and support to help strengthen and expand our hospitality and agritourism sectors.
"The initiative reflects Council's strong commitment to our visitor economy and the economic and social benefits it delivers to Wagga Wagga and its surrounds."
One of the key themes identified in the recently adopted Wagga Wagga Destination Management Plan 2025 – 2034 was growing agritourism and culinary experiences for visitors and addressing challenges impacting these sectors due to workforce and skills shortages.
Acting Destination and Events Coordinator, Cassandra Farquharson, said the program was designed in response to feedback from industry.
"Wagga Wagga is home to many emerging and experienced agritourism and hospitality businesses that are strengthening the region's reputation as a culinary destination from paddock to plate," Ms Farquharson said.
"We heard very clearly from these businesses that workforce shortages and training opportunities are amongst their biggest challenges.
"The program is designed to support this growth and address these challenges – whether it's through practical front-of-house training, tailored mentorships or exposing businesses to best practice examples in the sector.
"By giving businesses the skills to branch into agritourism or by giving local restaurants the confidence to innovate and refine their offerings, we are not only helping them adapt but also creating unique visitor experiences that will strengthen the whole region's reputation as a leading destination."
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, "The Riverina has many opportunities in industry, agritourism and hospitality, and the Minns Government is proud to support projects that will create jobs and boost local businesses.
"This funding will build on Wagga's already impressive record of attracting tourists and agritourism visitors. Supporting these types of businesses is exactly what the Government's Regional Development Trust has been set up for."
The Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program, funded under the Regional Development Trust, supports initiatives that promote regional economic development and contribute to job creation and retention.
The Agritourism and Hospitality Capacity Building Program will launch later this year.
