The 15th annual Quality Ararat event held yesterday has been hailed an unqualified success by organiser Peter Carthew. Visitors came from across Victoria to take part in the breakfast, tour local industries, spend the afternoon at the Ararat Cup meeting and attend the final dinner. The Country Quality 2000 theme was ‘Strength in Numbers’. The day was designed to showcase niche production and value add industries in the Ararat region, including AME Systems, Ararat Weaving, AF Gason, Hyde Park Vineyard, RAL Homes and Razorback Vehicles.

Workshops were held at Gason (working quality into the Gason system), AME Systems (introducing organisational alignment from mission statement through service and reliability), Hyde Park Vineyard (overview of the substantial development from grass roots to here it is - and how it is managed) and RAL Homes (overview of business fundamentals).

A highlight of the breakfast program at Chalambar Golf Club was a recital by ‘Barry from the Bush’ (alias Fred Homburg), who wrote a poem especially for the occasion.

Barry delighted the largely urban crowd with his anecdotes of life in the country and his own unique brand of philosophy.

Ararat rural city economic development unit manager Ivan Surridge was also a guest speaker.

Mr Carthew said the day was designed to be casual and relaxed, providing a unique occasion conducive to learning and understanding.

Last night’s ‘Strength in Numbers’ dinner was hosted by AME Systems and featured entertainment with an international flavour.

Ararat YMCA extended an open invitation to Country Quality guests to use the centre for exercise and rejuvenation during their stay.

 Story and picture: Ararat Advertiser 12/2000