Located in regional NSW with a community of just over 900 residents , Wellington was heavily impacted by drought and bushfires before facing the unprecedented widespread economic and social impacts presented by COVID-19 during 2020 .
The initiative rewarded residents for shopping locally and stimulated the Wellington economy by creating employment and attracting spending . A highly collaborative project , the six-week campaign featured local businesses , targeted local residents and the Central West and Western consumer markets and included the chance to win $ 500 Shopping cards which ensured prize money remained in the community and further stimulated the local economy when redeemed at participating local stores .
:// mydubboregion . com . au /
Finalist - Greater Whitsunday Alliance The Isaac Business Support Program The Isaac region , covers an area of 58,000 square kilometres and features 17 distinct communities , all with their own small business precincts . Established in 2018 , the Isaac Business Support Program ( IBSP ) connects small businesses across the entire area to a range of resources to address key local challenges , build capability , capacity , and resilience .
The Support Program has a dedicated resource to work with businesses to assist them be sustainable and successful long term .
As well as capacity building , the program connects small businesses and promotes collaboration across the region . The program also contributes to fostering sustainability and diversity of Isaac region businesses . Now in its third year of delivery , the project has demonstrated its value to SMEs in the region , growing its reach , with hundreds of participants accessing its programs and events .
:// www . greaterwhitsundayalliance . com . au / isaac-business-support-program
WINNER - Murray River Council Moama Lights , Lighting up the Murray in Echuca Moama Moama Lights is one of three projects within the drought and COVID-19 Stricken Communities within Murray River Council Program .
The 15-day celebration of art and light which launched in May 2021 on the Murray in Echuca Moama was funded through the NSW State Government ’ s Streets as Shared Spaces Program .
The inaugural festival offered an immersive sound and light trail , commencing at the underside of the Echuca Moama bridge before highlighting the natural beauty of Horseshoe Lagoon then finishing on the banks of the Murray River .
The show , curated by entertainment design firm Mandylights , showcased the local stories of Echuca Moama through projects , installations , theatrical fog plus strobe and cutting edge moving light technology .
:// www . echucamoama . com / moama-lights-2021
CATEGORY 5 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES – REGIONS OVER 15,000 RESIDENTS This award recognises programs or projects that have stimulated economic development activity in larger council regions .
Finalist - Advance Rockhampton Rockynats Car Festival Rockynats , held over the Easter weekend in 2021 is Queensland ’ s largest car festival and successfully engaged the local community , businesses , and car and bike enthusiast clubs to deliver a signature event that promotes the Rockhampton region whilst providing something new and exciting for the community .
VOL 14 NO 3 2021 38 www . edaustralia . com . au