Mr Gee was joined by Mayor of Mudgee, Cr Des Kennedy and Touch Football Australia Chief Executive, Colm Maguire at the launch of the event, which will see Australian and New Zealand Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Open teams battle it out for bragging rights this Anzac Day weekend at Glen Willow Stadium.

“I am delighted to be here today to welcome the three Australian teams to Mudgee for the Trans Tasman Test Series, an event second only to the Touch Football World Cup in terms of its significance for these teams, and one the NSW Government is pleased to support through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW,” Mr Gee said.

“The Trans Tasman Series sees some of Touch Football’s strongest rivalry played out on the field over three days, and it is an important lead up event to the 2015 Touch Football World Cup to be held in Coffs Harbour next year.

“It is wonderful to see international sporting events of this calibre come to Mudgee – it showcases this great region of NSW to an international audience and provides substantial benefit to the local economy,” he said.

“As well as this, it provides an opportunity for junior players to watch, and take part in clinics led by, some of the world’s best touch football athletes, helping to foster in them an even greater love of the sport,” he said.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Andrew Stoner, said event organisers estimate that more than 1,300 people attended the event when it was last held in Mudgee in 2012, with over 270 visitors from outside the region.

“It is estimated that this generated over $270,000 in visitor expenditure for the local economy, which is a very positive result for this three day event.

“Regional sporting events such as the Trans Tasman Test Series increase awareness of Regional NSW as a holiday destination, and are important to helping the NSW Government achieve its goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to the State by 2020,” he said.

Touch Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, Colm Maguire, said the 2014 Trans Tasman Series is the last time the Australian and New Zealand teams will meet before the 2015 Federation of International Touch World Cup in Coffs Harbour in April and May next year.

“The Australian teams will be looking to win back the prestigious Trans Tasman trophy following their loss to New Zealand in the 2013 Super Trans Tasman Series. The Australian Women’s team was the only side of the three to claim their division that year,” Mr Maguire said.

“Last time the teams played in Mudgee at the 2012 Trans Tasman Series, Australia were 3-0 series winners, so New Zealand teams will be hoping to prove they can successfully take on the Australian sides away from home.”

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase, said those visiting Mudgee for the Trans Tasman Test Series would find plenty to see and do outside the competition.

“Mudgee, in the heart of the Cudgegong River valley in Central West NSW, is home to some of the State’s best wineries and beautiful national parks,” Ms Chipchase said.

“With markets and festivities held year-round, and many excellent local cafes, restaurants, farm gate sales and gourmet food outlets, I encourage visitors to get out and enjoy the unique destination that is Mudgee.”

For more information about the Trans Tasman Test Series, please visit austouch.com.au

For information to help you plan a trip to Mudgee, please go to the website visitnsw.com

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