Ord Valley Events
STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN
Website: ordvalleymuster.com.au
BACKGROUND
Ord Valley Events Inc., organisers of the iconic Ord Valley Muster, is a group of community-minded individuals who bring skills, knowledge and networks to the organisation. Together, they work towards producing a world-class event series for the benefit of the broader community.
The Ord Valley Muster was created by the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EKCCI) in 2001, with the aim of bringing together community and industry participants to highlight the region’s extraordinary cultural diversity, unique landscapes and developing business opportunities. The event has a strong focus on activities and the talented people of the East Kimberley. One of its principal objectives is to promote a wide range of seasonal economic activity through sustained tourism development.
Originally formed as a subcommittee of the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ord Valley Events became incorporated in July 2009 and has directed the Ord Valley Muster ever since.
Ord Valley Events, producers of the Ord Valley Muster, is a registered charity. Donations are not tax-deductible unless otherwise stated.
WHY THEY NEEDED OUR SUPPORT AND WHAT THEY WANTED TO GAIN
As a volunteer-led organisation delivering a major regional festival, Ord Valley Events had a strong event but lacked a clearly defined long-term strategy.
The organisation was navigating rising costs, shifting audience behaviours and funding uncertainty, alongside internal challenges around systems, documentation and succession planning.
There was also a need to better align the Board, contractors and stakeholders around a shared direction, rather than continuing to operate year to year.
WHAT THEY GAINED FROM PARTICIPATING
The process gave Ord Valley Events clarity, alignment and a clear path forward. The organisation now has a strategic framework that connects its purpose, priorities and actions, ensuring decisions are aligned to drive visitation, economic impact and community value.
Importantly, this translated into a practical action plan with defined priorities, timelines and accountability.
TOP 3 LEARNINGS/OUTCOMES
Focus over expansion: Sustainable growth comes from refining and strengthening the core event, not continually adding more.
Resilience is essential: Strong systems, documentation and skills development are critical to continuity and reducing risk.
Strategy must be actionable: A strategy only works if it is practical, with clear actions, KPIs and a framework to guide real decisions.
Linda and Cathy were the right partners for where we were at as an organisation. They understand regional events, asked the right questions, and helped guide us through a process that resulted in a strategy and action plan that is practical, realistic and genuinely usable.
