Meeniyan will welcome visitors from near and far for the Meeniyan Garlic Festival in February with support from the Victorian Government.  

Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh MP today announced the Meeniyan Garlic Festival was a successful funding recipient from the Government’s $20 million Regional Events Fund.  

The Meeniyan Garlic Festival will use their Regional Events Fund contributions to support culinary festival and raise the profile of South Gippsland as a visitor destination.  

The festival uses garlic to showcase the fine food, produce, wines, cheeses and artisans of the region. The festival also includes a family entertainment precinct, kitchen shows, live music and presentations hosted by the Australian Garlic Association. 

In 2024, Wine Gippsland (WG) will host the Gippsland Wine Academy and showcase wines from across the region.  Wines will be for sale by the glass for onsite consumption to enhance the hospitality experience. The centre will also provide wine for sale in mixed packs. 

The Government is backing a jam-packed calendar of crowd-pleasing public events in regional and rural areas in 2023.  

The $20 million Regional Events Fund is a critical component of the $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan and supports festivals, sports events, creative exhibitions and other cultural celebrations.   

The Regional Events Fund drives economic benefits to Victoria by increasing visitor numbers and length of stay, thereby boosting spending in regional areas and supporting local jobs.   

Since 2016, the Government’s Regional Events Fund has funded more than 300 events across the state.  

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh MP 

“We are proud to support the Meeniyan Garlic Festival to help grow the amazing food, wine, and tourism experience in South Gippsland.”   

“The Meeniyan Garlic Festival will be a fantastic event that is set to bring more visitors to South Gippsland, providing a boost to local businesses and jobs.”