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11 September, 2004 Media Release Ritchies set to join Champions A 131-year-old family company is joining the push to promote lifestyle and investment opportunities in rural and regional Australia. Ritchies Supermarkets and Liquor Stores has signed up with Champions of the Bush as part of the company's o:going expansion plans for regional areas. Ritchies Chief Executive Officer Fred Harrison said the supermarket chain has a strong belief in the future prosperity of regional Victoria." We have been investing heavily in regional towns and we now have 10 stores outside of metropolitan Melbourne," Mr Harrison said. "Most of our growth is occurring away from Melbourne and we look forward to working closely with other Champions of the Bush members to promote the exciting opportunities to live, work and invest in regional Australia." Champions of the Bush Chairman John Brown, from Brown Brothers Wines at Milawa, has welcomed the new member. "Ritchies has a strong tradition of contributing to regional areas through its Community Benefit Card and quality stores," Mr Brown said. "The corporate ethos of giving something back to the community is what Champions of the Bush is all about. Our members are all successful business people in their own right who are passionate about the future of country areas. "We are working together to lobby governments on the need to invest in services and at the same time, we are promoting a very positive image of regional life. "There are some outstanding lifestyle advantages to living in the country, and there's also some excellent business reasons to invest in country towns. "Ritchies and Champions of the Bush are a perfect match and I believe both of our organisations will benefit from this relationship." Ritchies' regional stores are located in: Beechworth, Camperdown, Cobden, Cobram, Maffra, Sale, Shepparton, Timboon, Wonthaggi and Yarrawonga. Champions of the Bush Executive Officer Darren Chester said he was aiming to recruit more high profile businesses to join the group of regional business leaders. "There is strength in numbers and we are inviting several of regional AustraliaÕs largest regional businesses to join us in our efforts to represent country interests," Mr Chester said. "It's an exciting time in many parts of regional Victoria with several new developments and increased interest among city people planning to relocate for a better lifestyle. "Our country towns offer a better balance between work and family life; more affordable homes; safer, friendly communities; and some outstanding natural environments to enjoy. "It
all adds up to an attractive package which Champions of the Bush is
promoting as part of our efforts to encourage skilled workers to move
to regional Victoria to address some of the shortages we face in areas
such as health professionals, teaching and trades."
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