Expo to highlight region's strengths

FOLLOWING the flood and a business downturn, organisers of the Somerset Expo are shining a positive light on the region.

Joanne Cavanagh is one of 11 Somerset locals who have learnt new skills while organising the Somerset Expo, which will shine a positive light on the region. . Picture: Claudia Baxter

FOLLOWING the flood and a business downturn, organisers of the Somerset Expo are shining a positive light on the region.

The three-day expo is hoping to show off the businesses, people and tourist attractions of the Somerset region at the Fernvale Sports Centre next weekend.

Organiser Deb Ribinskas said after the region had been through so much, she wanted to remind people about how great it was.

"We've tried to involve every aspect of the community - businesses, community groups, sporting organisations, council, government and tourism - everyone is involved," she said.

"The whole region needs to have a positive light shone on it."

The expo will feature nearly 100 exhibitors showing off the strengths of the region.

Ms Ribinskas said the expo also was helping to train a group of unemployed locals.

Joanne Cavanagh, one of 11 locals being upskilled, said the expo had provided a great opportunity.

"We've all loved the experience," she said.

"When we're finished with the program we'll have a lot more experience that we'll be able to use in future jobs."

Ms Cavanagh, who lives in Fernvale, said the group had been working hard to get local businesses involved in the expo, with strong results.

"It's been such a great effort from all 11 people.

"A lot of people have suffered through the floods and this is a great way to try and help and get them back on their feet."

The expo will begin on Friday November 4, with a series of seminars for primary producers, a business meet and greet and a gala dinner at the Fernvale Sports Complex to finish off the day.

The expo will continue on Saturday November 5 with a number of workshops for the businesses and a youth program emphasising making good life choices.

The day will also feature a barbecue and networking function for local businesses.

On the Sunday the expo will promote local businesses to tourists, targeting the 2000 people that make their way through Fernvale every hour.

For further details visit at www.somersetexpo.com.au.

Originally published as Expo to highlight region's strengths