General News
16 May, 2023
Main street a beating heart
The humble main street is to take top billing across the region next week as part of a fledgling initiative to boost trade and lift community spirit. Much more than simply a thoroughfare, the main street is at once a place to do business, to stop to...
The humble main street is to take top billing across the region next week as part of a fledgling initiative to boost trade and lift community spirit.
Much more than simply a thoroughfare, the main street is at once a place to do business, to stop to chat, to sit down to a long lunch or to pick up a quick takeaway, and to catch up on what’s happening in the district by browsing notices posted on shop windows.
In honour of the pivotal role that this iconic strip of bitumen and concrete plays, May 15-21 has been designated Main Streets of Australia Week.
Throughout the Wimmera and Northern Grampians, localities of all sizes will pay tribute to their main street precincts.
“This week-long celebration highlights the importance of supporting local high streets, strip shopping centres and town centres such as Dadswells Bridge, Dimboola, Jeparit, Rainbow, Warracknabeal, Hopetoun, Murtoa, Minyip, Rupanyup, Horsham and Natimuk,” Liz Joldeski, executive officer of the annual event’s not-for-profit co-host, Mainstreet Australia, said.
Main Streets of Australia Week is co-presented in western Victoria by West Vic Business.
Earlier this year, West Vic Business facilitated a meeting in Dimboola of economic development officers from the region’s shires.
After brainstorming ideas for their local communities, each went back to their respective district to consider how they would approach the celebration.
As one example, both Horsham Rural City and Northern Grampians Shire have partnered with Storytowns to create audio tours sharing tales of their history, landmarks and people.
These community stories can be enjoyed via the downloadable Storytowns app.
“After a successful inaugural year in 2022, the week is back with an even greater need this year to call on our community to shop local and support small business owners who are doing it tough and facing the pressures associated with rising cost of living pressures,” Ms Joldeski said.
“This is a time to showcase the hardworking retailers, small business owners and entrepreneurs who make our main streets vibrant and thriving places.
“From fashion and beauty to food and drink, these businesses contribute to the character and charm of our communities.
“Supporting these businesses helps to keep our main streets alive and creates jobs, boosts the local economy, and improves the overall quality of life for everyone.
“Main Streets of Australia Week is a time for our community to come together and show support for the local businesses that make our main streets so special.”
The week will feature special activities and offers in retail and business precincts throughout the region.