Events are one way we can attract big numbers of visitors and introduce them to what Dubbo has to offer.

They provide a direct boost to accommodation, retail and attraction outlets and the benefits flow on from there.

The 2016 Australian Indoor Junior Championships taking place in Dubbo from July 2 to 9 is an example of the value of hosting a sporting event.

It has drawn 650 people to the city.

Western Plains Regional Council estimates that based on the average spend of 650 people staying in Dubbo for nine nights, the event has injected $800,000 into the local economy.

“The number of nights and the number of visitors makes it a high yield event,” council events and promotions supervisor Lana Willetts said.

“There are flow on effects.

“They buy a bed in a motel, that motel then has the money to go and get a new lawnmower.”

But the positive impacts have the potential to flow on beyond the duration of an event.

Ms Willetts said the cricket championships would also showcase Dubbo to the nation, and hopefully attract other events.

“From this we garner the confidence of Cricket Australia and show we can host large events of this size so when they’re looking at a venue they know we can support and sustain large numbers of people,” she said.

That’s what we need to happen and it will complement work being done to bring tourists to Dubbo.

On Wednesday the NSW government announced it would invest $43 million over four years in an overhaul of the way regional and rural areas attract visitors.

New Destination Networks would work closely with local government, tourism organisations and operators, as well as collaborate on campaigns with Destination NSW and a new Destination NSW regional division, Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said.

That’s a good sign for the future because collaboration and determination are key in the promotion of Dubbo and towns in the Orana region.

Our eyes must stay on the ball – sustained efforts by all parties are needed if we’re to make the most of the opportunities.