Disappointment has been felt across the district following confirmation that the Alpine Rally will leave East Gippsland after more than two decades.
The iconic event will now run in the Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne, from Thursday, December 2 to Sunday, December 5, with event headquarters based at the picturesque Rochford Winery.
Since 2003, the rally has become a major fixture on the East Gippsland and Lakes Entrance calendar, regularly attracting more than 500 competitors, more than 100 rally cars, officials, volunteers and thousands of spectators to the region.
Many visitors traditionally spend a week or longer in the area, staying in local accommodation, dining at cafés and restaurants, shopping in local businesses, and exploring everything East Gippsland has to offer.
The economic impact of the event extends far beyond the race weekend itself, with the rally supporting local jobs, generating significant tourism, and providing priceless exposure for the region through national and international media coverage.
