mmg.com.au

By Riahn Smith

The six-month campaign will be fronted by AFL legend and television personality Dermott Brereton and will be targeted at towns within a 200 km radius of Shepparton.

Shepparton Show Me committee member Barry Smith said the campaign aimed to highlight the extensive motor industry that already existed in Shepparton and encouraged people to take advantage of the breadth of services available.

‘‘Apart from people selling cars you’ve got spare parts, panel works etc, you can come to Shepparton and touch all bases, we’re a major service town or city,’’ Mr Smith said.

‘‘There’s (also) a multitude of vehicles that people have had hidden away that we’ve seen recently and that’s made the museum successful.

‘‘We’re only two hours away from Melbourne and when the Nagambie bypass is finished we’ll be closer.

‘‘Shepparton will hopefully be a destination to come to the museum and do all things motor oriented.’’

Mr Smith said the potential flow-on effect from the campaign would also benefit the wider economy.

‘‘The spread of the dollar is not just to the car traders, that’s the attraction to come to Shepparton, but that multiples when they’re here,’’ Mr Smith said.

‘‘They go to the doctor or get a haircut, buy a coffee or food, buy clothes.

‘‘It’s not just about cars.’’

Ken Muston Automotive owner Ken Muston said the campaign recognised the contribution made by the motor industry to the Shepparton economy.

‘‘The industry is in good shape, but additional sales mean additional revenue for the city of Shepparton,’’ Mr Muston said.

‘‘I know when I see my customers returning to my dealership to pick up their cars, you almost need a pick-up truck to carry all their bags.

‘‘They’re certainly large contributors to the economy of our city.’’

Graham Thomson Motors general manager Gerard Michel praised the campaign as a ‘‘proactive’’ venture.

‘‘The motor industry in its total, including all the associated businesses, like spare parts and repairs, is a big part of Shepparton’s industry,’’ Mr Michel said.

‘‘To package them all together and to target them at a particular target base can only be of benefit to Shepparton.’’