CATEGORY 7 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EQUITY , DIVERSITY & INCLUSION This category recognises economic development strategies and projects which foster equity , diversity and inclusion . EDA invited projects where the community ’ s cultural , religious , linguistic and ethnic diversity underpin the economic development initiative . Examples which centred around gender diversity and or supporting greater economic participation for young people were also encouraged .
Finalist - City of West Torrens The Think , Buy , Be Local Initiave The Think , Buy , Be Local Initiave started life as a community assistance voucher scheme , but it quickly evolved when staff saw the potential for economic stimulus . More than 1160 residents took up the call to action , to “ Think , buy , be local ” at one of 24 participating local small businesses .
$ 95,000 was generated from Council ’ s investment of $ 42,000 which was more than matched by resident contributions .
:// yoursay . westtorrens . sa . gov . au / belocal
Finalist - Port-Macquarie Hastings Council Bicentenary event Port Macquarie ’ s Bicentenary event showcased the region , its people and stories and successfully delivered over 50 activities across 9 days for approximately 18,000 attendees in April this year .
WINNER - Glenorchy City Council Showcase Moonah Creative Hub The Beyond the Curtain campaign identified the activity centre of Moonah as a particular point of pride because of the diversity , inclusivity , and cultural richness that they called the Moonah-effect
The first iteration of the initiative was designed to assist those residents who were working in frontline emergency services ; or facing vulnerability and financial hardship ; while at the same time providing economic stimulus to participating businesses .
You ’ ve heard of the MONA effect ? It ’ s like that , only Moonah ! While bigger shops are shutting down , small , eclectic , and locally owned shops are opening up . The area has become a haven for young families and new migrants .
Photo credit Lindsay Moller Productions
The Council acknowledged that the Bicentenary caused suffering and displacement for the traditional owners . Recognising this long , diverse and challenging history , Council and its Bicentenary Working Group invited residents and visitors to participate in a wide range of activities designed to reflect on the past , celebrate the present , and look forward to an inclusive and positive future .
The Greater Glenorchy Plan synthesised this identity with on-the-ground analysis to create a precinct plan for the centre . The next step was to leverage the diversity of assets already in place to implement the precinct plan and showcase the Moonaheffect to stimulate economic development outcomes .
By enabling local business , innovators , and creatives to showcase Moonah with their own activities and events , Council leveraged these assets to see the identity and precinct plans come to life .
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