Victorias East

Viewers nationwide of Channel Nine breakfast program The TodayShow will get a taste of the BruthenBlues and Arts Festival when the program crosses live to East Gippsland on Friday, February 17.

The popular weather cross, hosted by television personality Steven Jacobs, will be set in the Bruthen township throughout the entire show and will showcase the musical talent of the Bruthen Blues and Arts Festival, including former Bruthen local Andrew Wishart. The live cross is being funded by East Gippsland Marketing and marketing manager, Karly McCaskill sees it as an effective tool to promote the region.

“The Today Show  reaches more than250,000 people nationwide, so we saw it as the perfect opportunity to showcase one of our most vibrant and exciting events. The flow on effect from these promotions into increased visitation, not just for the festival but for the whole region, means that it is money well spent,” Karly said.

Kadri Kutt, of marketing consultancy The Creative Bunch, has been assisting the Bruthen Blues Festival with marketing and promotion and believes this could be one of their biggest years. “The line-up for the festival just gets better every year. The event has gathered a core group of followers that return year after year, but with increased promotion and the coverage of a national television program, we look forward to welcoming a new crowd of music lovers to the event this year,” Kadri said.

Locals are encouraged to come to Bruthen on Friday, February 17, and show their support live on national television.“We want to get as many people as possible in Bruthen so we can show the nation what a great community we have in East Gippsland,” Ms McCaskill said. Local businesses including the Bullant Brewery will be opening early on the day to cater for the crowd.

Making an appearance in Bruthen during the live cross is Andrew Wishart who is also a patron of the Bruthen Blues and Arts Festival. Andrew, a former Bruthen resident, shot to fame in 2011 when he appeared on talent show, X Factor  coming runnerup in the Grand Final. Andrew became an Australian favourite with his down to earth approach to the competition, which he says reflects his regional upbringing. Andrew will be performing a song on the day as part of the weather cross.

Gillicks Bus Lines will run a free bus service from Bairnsdale to Bruthen departing 6am on Friday, February 17, for people wishing to attend The Today Show event. The bus will depart from the Main Street bus stop outside the First National King and Heath offices. Signage will indicate the correct stop for travellers. Those residents who cannot attend on the day are encouraged to watch The Today Show between 6 and 9am on February 17 to see the East Gippsland region on show.