BIG ideas with endless possibilities for Gilgandra Region!

Published on 23 November 2020

It’s time to think BIG in Gilgandra, with endless possibilities for the Region!

With the recent increase in regional travel, Gilgandra is being asked to think BIG with ideas as to how to capitilise on this so our region can continually grow, attracting more visitors to stay longer and enjoy all those things our region has to offer.

Community input is an important part of thinking BIG and we’re inviting you to take part in the BIG Ideas survey, tell us what you like about the Gilgandra Region, and what you would like to see. Business will also have the chance to think BIG and make some real changes through the Business Improvement Grant (BIG Ideas grant).

Acting Mayor, Ash Walker says the BIG Ideas Program is an exciting opportunity and a unique chance for our Region’s businesses to gain financial support and consider possible ways to make changes and grow.

“Local businesses have the chance to share in $50,000 under the BIG Ideas Grant, and make some real changes to boost their business; inside, outside or online. This is the first time Council has offered a business support program in this form and we are looking forward to seeing the outcomes” said Cr Walker.

Council’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Kathryn Larkin says the BIG Ideas Program has been established in order to assist with economic development opportunities and will be open for applications in 2021.

“Local businesses have the opportunity to capture customer feedback during this year’s Shop Local program which can be used for applications under the BIG Ideas Grant. Already we are seeing some wonderful feedback for the participating businesses, along with some great ideas for the Gilgandra Region” says Mrs Larkin.

Overall, it has been a challenging year for the community and businesses alike and as the festive season approaches, it’s a great time to bring some colour and vibrancy to the CBD. Christmas decorations will soon start to appear.

“Local business are encouraged to jump on board and decorate their own windows and be part of Council’s Window Decoration competition. There are already some festive displays starting to appear in local businesses, and it really has an effective impact” says Mrs Larkin.

The winning window decoration will be announced at the last Shop Local weekly draw on Thursday, 17 December. Judged by Carol B from Retail Revamp who has had an ongoing relationship with Gilgandra Region businesses.

To complement these initiatives, Council is delivering the laneways activation project, Meet Me @ Miller Street, with the key theme of ‘Endless Possibilities’. The project will trial the transformation of laneways and the riverside carpark, sparking ideas for new use of spaces.

Acting Mayor, Ash Walker says the Gilgandra CBD will soon start to transform with this exciting laneways activation project, thanks to funding from the NSW Government's Streets as Shared Spaces program.

“One of the main aims is to activate the main street and space behind Miller Street with its natural river frontage. We are working to create a vibrant and active open, public space for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.”

Adding,

“The laneways currently have under-utilised spaces, and by connecting and activating these spaces between the caravan parking, Windmill Walk and the main street, we are transforming them to create key points of interest and inviting people to walk through and enjoy!” says Cr Walker.

A cross-departmental Council team and community members are working on the transformation of the laneways next to the GIL and between 3Ds Butchery and Victory Lap Sports.

“We are working together to transform this into an inviting and pedestrian friendly space with some excitement to discover. Be sure to look high and look low, you’ll be surprised what you may find!” says Mrs Larkin.

The parking space behind Miller Street shops along the river will also convert into a Shared Zone, with an inviting and pedestrian friendly space. This is all a step in bringing to life the Gilgandra Activation Blueprint.

“It really is a unique time for the community, businesses and our Region. As we emerge from all the challenges of 2020, many that were unexpected, it’s a great time to think BIG and see where it takes us!” says Cr Walker.

Find out more about Grow Gilgandra, and the key initiatives available to local businesses through our website www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au

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Contact:
K
athryn Larkin
Marketing and Communications Manager
6817 8800

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