EVOCITIES Media
THE verdict is in. Bathurst has received a perfect score from Sydney couple Kristy and Matthew Plisowsky after they were given the VIP treatment during a three-day stay in the region.
The couple won 2Day FM's Evocities radio competition, which gave them the opportunity to experience the lifestyle of a regional destination of their choice.
Kristy and Matthew say they are now one step closer to moving to Bathurst.
"We're definitely looking forward to coming back," Kristy said. "Everything has been really good. The experience has been wonderful ... and we've learnt a lot about the area."
The couple arrived in Bathurst on Friday afternoon. Their prize package included two nights' accommodation and breakfast at Citigate Mount Panorama and dinner reservations at 9inety 2wo and Church Bar.
They spent Saturday touring the region with Bathurst Regional Council economic development manager Gretchen Armitage, who showed them a number of residential estates and areas for potential growth.
"We got an idea of where Bathurst is heading in the next 10 to 20 years," Matthew said. "We were very impressed with the big land sizes and the amount of space there is.
"We love the lifestyle here. It suits us to a tee."
Matthew said the couple's dining experience at Church Bar on Saturday night was one of the highlights of the weekend.
"It's what we're used to in Sydney," he said. "Even though Bathurst is a smaller town, you don't feel like you're missing out on anything. And everyone is so friendly."
Kristy and Matthew spent Saturday afternoon exploring the central business district.
"There are some really nice little boutique shops," Kristy said. "We also liked The Hub. We went there for coffee with Gretchen and it was so good, we decided to go back for lunch."
Local facilities - including sports grounds, schools and iconic Mount Panorama - are one of the biggest attractions to the region, the couple said.
"Bathurst has a lot to offer," Kristy said. "It seems like a good place to raise a family."
The couple drove back to Sydney yesterday, with plans to return to Bathurst in the next few months.
"We can't thank everyone enough for the weekend," Kristy said. "The hospitality here has been amazing."
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