HANGING LOCAL
Western Melbourne Tourism has launched a program for international university students to uncover the tourism hotspots of Melbourne’s west.
The project has been developed in partnership with Western Melbourne Tourism, Get Lost Travel Group and Victoria University, and with some funding through the Victorian Government’s international student welfare grant initiative, Study Melbourne.
‘Hanging Local’ aims to get international students out and about exploring their local neighbourhoods, making new friends and feeling more at home in Melbourne’s west.
This collaborative project will also assist students in broadening their knowledge of local attractions across Melbourne’s west to help in generating VFR travel to the region.
From late February 2020 ‘Hanging Local’ will take international students on subsidised group tours to places right here in their backyard which they may not usually visit.
Many of the trips will include unique and hidden gems such as Organ Pipes National Park, Williamstown Botanic Garden, the Dingo Discovery and Research Centre and Altona Beach and more.
As well as, of course, the more well known westside hotspots such as the Footscray Market and laneways, The Ascot Lot beer hall and food truck precinct, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Victoria University Whitten Oval, home of the Western Bulldogs.
There will be a mix of immersive experiences ranging from nature walks and conservation tours, photography workshops to evening events and food and bar hops with other local students.
Richard Ponsford, Executive Officer of Western Melbourne Tourism, has been leading the project and is thrilled with the reaction from the community so far, saying he is looking forward to the opportunities it will bring.
“Hanging Local will bring international and local students together in Melbourne’s west, to share a love of their local neighbourhoods, connect with local networks and to just hang out together.”
Keep an eye out for what’s coming up in the project, as international students uncover their new backyard in Melbourne’s west – a world of unique food, bars, fantastic parks, wildlife, art, history, events, community, markets and wineries!
Watch the video introduction here.
View more information on the upcoming events on the Hanging Local Facebook.
