The doors of the GIL are open!

Published on 29 June 2020

The GIL is now open and we welcome you in to find out about our region and how we are supporting our main street!

In the heart of Gilgandra CBD, the GIL is home to the Visitor Information Centre where you will find out how to enjoy all the Gilgandra Region has to offer, along with the GIL Collective, where we showcase our region’s artists, makers and businesses. It is also home to hot desks, free WIFI, baby change and family friendly areas, so definitely has something for everyone.

Gilgandra Mayor, Doug Batten says,

“We’re very pleased to have Gilgandra home to an initiative such as this, something that adds to our main street, supports our local businesses and provides even more reason and opportunity for people to shop local. We are excited to welcome people in to explore the space for themselves!”

The GIL forms a key part of Council’s Activation Blueprint and commitment to supporting local businesses and was founded as a key element in activating Gilgandra’s Main Street by filling the former Target building prior to construction of the new Library and Community Hub.

Council General Manager, David Neeves says

“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.”

Mayor Batten says,

“Regional tourism is certainly growing as a result of broader travel restrictions, and being able to offer a space like the GIL in a small regional town is not something you can find everywhere.”

With an increasing number of travellers observed in the region, and the community in general moving about more following recent relaxation of social distancing measures, there has certainly been plenty of people curious to see what the GIL is all about.

“While we’ve been setting up, the level of interest has been wonderful from people as they walk past. We’ve enjoyed having a quick chat with anyone who has popped their head in and wanted to know what all the activity is about” says Marketing & Communications Manager, Kathryn Larkin.

“There is also space available to hire for workshops, yoga sessions or even a community movie night – the Mill @ the GIL is now taking bookings for your next event, check out the space in the GIL and be in touch with us with your ideas”, said Mrs Larkin.

For those interested in booking this space or stocking their products in the GIL, you are able to pop inside to see our friendly staff, or contact Council’s Marketing & Communications team at Council.

Opening the space during the current situation where COVID-19 is now a key consideration has required, like other business owners and operators, development of a COVID Safe Plan. The Plan outlines the necessary considerations along with having a sign-in book and hand sanitation point, social distancing stickers and posters displayed.

“Council has opened the GIL during a very challenging period however ensuring we operate the space with consideration to the state and federal requirements is critical, and we’ll continue to monitor any further changes as we move forward”, said Mr Neeves.

Combining the Visitor Information service with the GIL is also an opportune match, as the Coo-ee Heritage Centre (CHC) upgrades will be commencing later this year.

Mr Neeves says the CHC upgrades are in line with Council’s strategic planning documents to offer a well-represented and functional visitor centre and cultural experience to residents and visitors.

“There was extensive Council and community consultation through the development of Council’s Gilgandra Cultural Precinct Strategic Plan which focusses on three key themes namely Military heritage; Landscape, including the natural environment and farming; and our Aboriginal heritage.”

Adding,

“Council recently undertook further consultation on the draft plans, which will help refine the finer detail of the upgrades. It is an exciting time and new way of promoting Gilgandra, attracting new visitor markets and communicating in today’s world of social media and information technology. The Centre will reopen with a new Gilgandra region website, marketing collateral and new interactive elements aimed to attract increased visitation.”

The expected timeframe for the project is to commence construction in September 2020 and be completed by March 2021 for the CHC to reopen.

Find the GIL at 30-32 Miller Street, Gilgandra! We are open 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday and 9am – 12pm on Saturday.

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Contact:        

Kathryn Larkin
Marketing and Communications Manager
6817 8800

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