The International Engagement Strategy is a strategy to guide how the City of Greater Bendigo connects globally.

It will set clear priorities and explain when and why the City takes part in international opportunities that benefit our local community.

Greater Bendigo already has global links through tourism, food, education, arts and local businesses.

This strategy will help the City:

• Focus on what matters most
• Make clear and confident decisions
• Plan for meaningful activities

It ensures international work supports local jobs and growth.

The International Engagement Strategy aims to:

• Support local businesses that sell goods or services overseas
• Attract investment and skilled workers to Greater Bendigo
• Grow tourism and student numbers
• Raise Greater Bendigo’s profile internationally

The goal of the strategy is to create stronger local jobs, businesses and opportunities.

There are many ways Greater Bendigo can connect with other countries.

Part of this project is asking local businesses and the community how the City can help support international connections.

This could include:

• Supporting local exporters
• Hosting visitors from overseas
• Facilitating trade missions
• Working with State and Federal agencies

The focus is on practical actions that bring real benefits to Greater Bendigo.

The City’s role is to:

• Help businesses find the right support programs
• Link Greater Bendigo to State and Federal agencies
• Provide clear rules for international decisions

Anyone interested in Greater Bendigo’s future can share their views. The City is inviting feedback from:

• Local businesses
• Industry groups
• Education and tourism organisations
• Community members
• Government partners

A summary of findings will inform the final strategy presented to Council. We will also share key findings with the community and let you know how these were used in the strategy.

The strategy itself is a planning document. The focus is on building smart partnerships and making better use of existing programs and government support.

Any future activities would still need to show community benefit and value for money before going ahead.

No.

There is no plan to create new sister city agreements. The focus is on practical, outcomes-based relationships that support Greater Bendigo’s economy and community.

The strategy will include clear decision guidelines for international travel and events. It will set out why the City would take part, what the purpose is, and what outcomes are being sought.