WHO knew accountants could have so much fun? And that 300 of them would swoop on Bendigo to engage in said fun?
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The Grant Thornton Accountants Conference has been held in Bendigo every year for 15 years.
Aside from the serious conference work at the All Seasons Hotel, this particular balance of accountants also indulges in some serious recreation.
This year, Bendigo Harness Club hosted all 300 accountants for dinner.
There was also lunch for 75 at the Big Hill Winery, a round of golf for 40 at Bendigo Golf Club, 72 playing lawn bowls at Bendigo East Lawn Bowling Club, and a poker challenge between 60 accountants at the All Seasons.
“It’s the largest conference for public accountants in Victoria," said organiser Nick Mellos, a partner at Grant Thornton Australia.
"It’s a good balance between technical training and a bit of fun, and Bendigo really prospers from this conference with all the money they spend in the town.”
It all began with 60 or 70 people. Now more than 300 attend every year over two and a half days, Mr Mellos said.
About half the accountants were from Melbourne and the rest from other regional areas including Echuca, Wodonga, and Horsham.
So – why Bendigo? “We just like Bendigo,” Mr Mellos said.
Some answers are simple.
