Hats off for repeat performance

WAGGA WAGGA: Bega has its cheese. The Hunter Valley has its wines. Now Wagga has its hats.

Following the success of the inaugural International Millinery Forum (IMF) at Charles Sturt University (CSU), the tertiary institution has elected to hand organisation of the event back to the greater Wagga community in time for its second instalment in 2009.

To help coordinate the event, the community has formed a volunteer committee headed by president Glen Downey with Yvonne Braid as vice president. Linda Tillman, who was responsible for organsing the inaugural event, has been retained as event coordinator.

Downey said the IMF had "tremendous" potential for the city and would present a fantastic opportunity for milliners around the world to take part in workshops, seminars, demonstrations, a trade expo and parades.

"We have spent the past two months establishing the committee and association effectively in order to place the IMF in good stead for the 2009 event. Now that we have successfully achieved this planning is underway for 2009; a new venue in the city is being negotiated, international guests are being sourced and corporate and local support is being secured."

The second annual IMF will be staged January 17 - 22, 2009.