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Press Release
Big Weekend of Events
15 February 2008
Thousands of music and sports fans will have plenty to celebrate this weekend as Tasmania plays host to three major events – MS Fest, AFL football and the Hobart International Triathlon.
The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, said that visitors from across Tasmania and from interstate would be travelling around the Island this weekend to experience these events.
“Tomorrow’s MS Fest at Launceston’s Inveresk Showgrounds is already a sell-out.
“Ten thousand people will be entertained by some of Australia’s biggest music acts including some of Launceston’s emerging bands like the ‘Embers’.
“All this great entertainment and they will also be showing their support for people with Multiple Sclerosis,” Ms Wriedt said.
MS Fest began in 2006 as a way to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis among young people – those people most likely to be affected by the chronic disease that affects the central nervous system.
On Sunday the Tassie Hawks will kick off their 2008 NAB pre-season at Launceston’s Aurora Stadium.
The match against the Sydney Swans comes after the entire Hawthorn playing list, together with coaching and support staff, was in the State last week as part of the 2008 AFL Community Camps.
Ms Wriedt said last week’s camps showed that Hawthorn is committed to supporting the Tasmanian community.
“The State Government’s partnership with the Hawthorn Football Club has been a boost for the broader Tasmanian community, not just football fans.
“And with the Hawks returning to the State this weekend, there will be more benefits for Tasmanian businesses and individuals,” Ms Wriedt said.
And all the action is not confined to Northern Tasmania this weekend.
A host of Olympians, World and Australian champions will also be in action on Sunday for the Fairbrother Hobart International Triathlon.
“Tasmania’s own Craig Walton and 2007 ITU World Cup winner Emma Moffatt will be swimming, riding and running their way around Hobart’s historic waterfront,” Ms Wriedt said.
This is the fourth year Hobart has hosted a leg of the ITU International Triathlon series.
Ms Wriedt said there is no doubt Tasmania is becoming well known as a major event destination.
“Last year Elton John performed in our State and next month internationally renowned musicians Keith Urban and John Fogerty will hit the stage as part of the Southern Roots festival.
“Our research data confirms that events like AFL games, concerts, festivals and the V8 Supercars are key drivers for visitation to and within the State,” she said.
The Tasmanian Visitor Survey indicates that in 2007 more than 39,000 respondents travelled to the State to experience a major event, festival, AFL game or other sporting event.
“The State Government, through Events Tasmania, is proud to be supporting these events, which bring more visitors and a significant economic boost to the State,” Ms Wriedt said.