When Elton John steps on stage at Wahgunyah, his presence will be sending a special message across the country - North East Victoria is open for business.
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All Saints Estate chief executive Eliza Brown said diminished summer visitation numbers and the cancellation of Cold Chisel's concert due to smoke had hurt the region.
"Unfortunately when the fires happened, then the smoke, people weren't travelling," she said.
"Everyone was prepared for [Cold Chisel], that costs money... everyone was geared up to have staff on the ground, they would have stocked up on produced and stocked up in stores. Petrol stations, accommodation - everyone was affected.
"Really, this is perfect timing, the concert brings people back and shows then we're safe so they feel comfortable coming back again."
IN OTHER ELTON NEWS:
Ms Brown said about 40 to 50 per cent of the 11,000 people coming to see Elton John had not been to Rutherglen before, giving the region great exposure.
A Day on the Green promoters estimate the concert will provide an economic benefit of up to $2.75 million to the region, with a spend per head of $250 expected.
"Driving tourism is paramount to the area's growth, not only for main street business but for agriculture, wine, cellar doors," she said.
It'll really benefit a lot of small towns that are hurting because of the lack of tourism due to smoke and fires.
- Eliza Brown
"Even though the event is at All Saints it benefits communities across the board as people are staying in Beechworth, Wangaratta, Albury-Wodonga, Chiltern.
"It'll benefit a lot of small towns that are hurting because of the lack of tourism due to smoke and fires.
"In the wake of Cold Chisel and the pressure everyone is under... having a concert like this in our area is so important not just for the spending but also the mood."
Elton John will be the biggest star Wahgunyah - and the Border - has ever seen.
Ms Brown said the venue had removed some vines in anticipation of the record crowd numbers, with 11,000 tickets sold.
She said staff were very excited about the star's imminent arrival.
"We knocked back a few rows that weren't producing anymore, but planted more too [elsewhere], it all evens out," she said.
"It's not everyday Elton John comes to your backyard
"It's absolutely the largest concert we've held.
"It's extremely exciting and I don't think we've had a Sir before."
A Day on the Green promoter Michael Newton said preparations were well underway and everything was going to plan ahead of the icon's performance at All Saints Estate.
"It's easily the biggest show at the venue and... it'll be the greatest show ever in the region," Mr Newton said.
Ms Brown said people in the region love food, wine and music, so if Elton's visit encourages more big name stars to play the venue that would be great.
IN OTHER NEWS:
She said unfortunately it wasn't likely Elton would have time to pop into the Terrace Restaurant for a bite to eat or wine tasting.
"But just having him on the estate is going to be fantastic, I'm going to try get him to sign a magnum bottle of the All Saints Rosa for my mum who is his biggest fan, but we'll see," she said.
A Day on the Green promoter Michael Newton said preparations were well underway everything was going to plan ahead of the icon's performance on Wednesday night.
"It's easily the biggest show at the venue and... it'll be the greatest show ever in the region," Mr Newton said
A Day on the Green promoter Michael Newton said preparations were well underway everything was going to plan ahead of the icon's performance on Wednesday night.
"It's easily the biggest show at the venue and... it'll be the greatest show ever in the region," Mr Newton said