CEO tourism award

By Tania Martin
FOR Rob Hauser, the Shire of Yarra Ranges’ vision for a regional marketing body for tourism, food and wine for both the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges was a logical step forward.
The shire’s chief executive officer played a pivotal role last year in the launch of a regional body for tourism now known as Yarra Ranges Regional Marketing (YRRM).
Mr Hauser’s passion and vision for the future of regional tourism has now earned him the inaugural YRRM chairman award.
He was chosen for the award from a shortlist of local operators who contributed to the growth of food, wine, agribusiness and tourism in the region.
YRRM chairman Jeffry Farman said choosing the winner of the award was very difficult because many people had contributed so much both personally and professional to the region.
“In making this choice I have acknowledged the massive effort made in the creation of regional marketing body and this award is our way of recognising Rob’s outstanding individual contribution,” he said.
“Rob’s commitment and enthusiasm was a prime mover in establishing an organisation capable of providing a single voice for the region.”
But Mr Hauser said the award was recognition of everyone who was involved in the set up of the regional marketing body.
“It was a very important step of us (the shire) to take to focus on food, wine, agribusiness and tourism as one representative body,” he said.
“It’s very important to work together where previously the food, wine and tourism sectors all had separate bodies.”
Mr Hauser said he was both surprised and pleased to receive the award.
He said it was recognition of not only his work but also everyone involved with setting up the regional marketing body.
Mr Hauser said now the marketing body had been established it was important to focus on trying to attract tourists from around the world to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
Mayor Tim Heenan said it was Mr Hauser’s tireless efforts and commitment to regional development that led him to win the award.
“Rob’s commitment has been consistently beyond the call of duty and I’m proud to make this presentation,” Cr Heenan said.