BE PART OF ‘THE GIL’ IN 2020
Published on 21 January 2020
Following on from the success of the 12 Days of Christmas at ‘the GIL’ in 2019, Council is now seeking interest from businesses, makers and artists to showcase their wares and services in 2020.
Feedback following the 12 Days of Christmas highlighted 96% of participants were satisfied or extremely satisfied with ‘the GIL’ project and 100% of respondents to the question saw an increase in traffic to the main street. With over $20,000 in sales during the event, the economic and social benefits to the community were significant.
Mayor Doug Batten says,
“Council was extremely pleased with the response from all sectors of the community in supporting the 12 Days of Christmas at ‘the GIL’. Over 50 people showcased their wares and services and the local business community in the main street benefited from increased patronage. With the sales over the 12 day event, one of the most significant benefits was the reinforcement of people’s desire, and the importance of being able to shop in their own community”.
Adding,
“As we move into 2020, planning remains underway for the new Library and community hub, however there is an opportunity to capitalise on the success of the 12 days of Christmas in the interim period. Council is now interested in hearing from those who would be keen to utilise a space in ‘the GIL’ from March to December 2020.”
Council invites local businesses, artists and makers who are interested in utilising the space for pop-ups, workshops and cultural activities to be in contact.
General Manager, David Neeves says,
“Staffed by GSC, ‘the GIL’ will operate via commercial agreements, allowing vendors to showcase their wares in a centralised shopping location. The pop-up style space is designed to allow vendors to test the waters for viability of the CBD as a business option, while offering support in this process. ‘The GIL’ will present opportunities for business training throughout the nine months while also offering office space rentals, local events and activities for our community. Council would be hoping to achieve cost recovery for ‘the GIL’ for use of the space.”
Adding,
“’The GIL’ is about driving transformational change that will lead to the long-term development of the community. The projects and events are to complement the recent investments aimed at capturing growth in the visitor economy, such as the caravan parking and dump point in the CBD. Events and activation of the main street gives visitors more reasons to stop in the community, increasing both spend and length of stay.”
If you are interested in being involved in ‘the GIL’ in 2020, please visit Council’s website to complete an Expression of Interest, contact Council directly for more information on 6817 8800 or by email enjoy@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au.
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Contact: Kathryn Larkin
Marketing & Communications Manager
klarkin@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au