Following notice to all potential teams at the last Games, accommodation in the region during the Games will be scarce. Already, more than 400 people have secured their accommodation in places such as Ararat, Stawell and Halls Gap.

The organisers are hoping that competitors will form a positive view of the region that will influence their future domestic holidays.

The Stawell Secondary College is strongly supporting the week with more than 50 students seeking a role in the opening street parade, assisting athletes to and from individual events and helping with the staging of meals and entertainment.

Ararat College has volunteered to undertake a number of supporting projects this year and will fill an even larger role in 2010.

Overall, approximately 90 people have registered as volunteers with many more required. To register, call Janet Hooper on 53583394.

StawellBiz are active supporters of the Games and are planning a shopping and entertainment extravaganza on the Wednesday rest day. The theme will be linked to International Day for People with a Disability, which is formally recognised on December 3 each year.

The rest day on 11 November will also be the time for an All Abilities cricket grudge match between Stawell and Ararat as a curtain-raiser to a Henry Gunstone clash between Youth Club and St Andrews under lights.

Artwork depicting impressions of the Games from local students is currently being received at Stawell Intertwine Services. The winning poster material will receive a prize for the artist and will be professionally reproduced for public display and promotion in Stawell and Ararat.

Stawell and Ararat have well-deserved reputations for social inclusion that the organisers are confident will be further strengthened by the anticipated warm welcome to the visitors from South Australia, New South Wales and other parts of Victoria from local residents during the staging of the Games in 2009 and 2010.

Further information is available from Brian Burke 53523084 or Janet Hooper on 53583394.