RECOMMENDATIONS Cross-regional coordination : There is a definite role for the Legatus Group to act as coordinator and facilitator between local practitioners , councils , state partners and other agencies , and particularly for the Regional Creative Facilitator during the early development and later production phases . This should be coordinated in consultation with the Regional Development Authorities and the SA Tourism Commission and promoted through the new blended and visitorcentric model for the delivery of Tourism Visitor Information Services in the regions .
Start simple and small and grow : Existing road trips or single site experiences can be piloted , building on well-established experiences and their brand value ( such as the Epicurean Way or Clare ’ s Riesling Trail ) in the regions and tourism market . These could be expanded and linked with more thematic transregional projects , encouraging visitors and tourists to explore further , expand opportunities for families or vary their area of interest . Such collaborative transregional experiences could explore and showcase the identities and creative potential of local communities within a mixed reality context . Linking such experiences with commercial providers and accommodation booking systems also offers the potential to increase average per capita spend across a range of industries .
Build on existing projects with simpatico partners : The National Trust is actively developing several projects within the Legatus regions , pursuing similar goals for economic development and cultural heritage tourism . This partnership potential , geological similarity and geographical proximity of the sites demand further exploration by the Legatus Group .
BE GAME AND GO LARGE :
• This research suggests that an interactive experience , such as an online game developed in consultation with locals and stakeholders of Martindale Hall / Mintaro and Bungaree Station , would bring these sites to life . Starting with one pilot project , the experience could be adapted to suit others , linking sites and stories via the interpretive digital platform . These could be applied across the heritage stories of the Barossa and Clare Valleys , creating a linked thematic experience , interpreting layers of stories and their connections between communities , cultures and industries .
• An interactive documentary approach should be considered for the natural and Indigenous heritage sites , starting with the Dhilba Guuranda . With a Visitor Centre and walking trails planned around story lines and traditional custodianship of the park . This approach once proven could be applied to the Remarkable Flinders Ranges development as well as future planning for the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary .
• A major sound and light projection at the Burra Mine site is also worth considering , given the success of touring projection shows and the longevity of the sound and light shows at Victoria ’ s Sovereign Hill .
• Local leadership . This research proposes that local councils take an active leadership role in the design , development and delivery of these AR / VR / MR projects . Local councils are ideally placed to ensure the ongoing success of these projects , with facilitation and coordination support by the Legatus Group .
CURRENT PROGRESS Several projects are underway which will gain value from the New Realities report and encouraging deeper connections between the regional creatives identified in Laughton ’ s report with the tourism industry , including :
1 . Silver to Sea Way- The National Trust of South Australia is progressing with a contemporary tourism experience that connects South Australia and New South Wales .
2 . Research on tourism experiences through a partnership with Adelaide University on the new Remarkable South Flinders Ranges Project .
3 . The design of best practice modules regarding accessibility for Tourism on South Australia ’ s Yorke Peninsula .
The Legatus Group have finalised their 2020 / 2021 business plan and are investigating options around community capacity building through the development of storytelling tools and projects . This will include story tellers in residence who would assist communities to discover what makes their town unique , uncovering local characters and places that would be of interest for tourists , and looking at how they would be recorded and then utilised for tourism ( example ; podcasts ). These projects would be focussed on outcomes for both community well-being and the local economy , providing benefits for those communities , local businesses and the individuals involved .
Possible linkages have been identified between the State Library of South Australia and the Legatus Group member councils . Discussions are underway as to how such a project may combine with the State ’ s public library network , their support services and infrastructure within local communities , to also benefit regional and school / community libraries .
An initial approach is now being investigated as to what a partnership / project could look like between Legatus Group , the State Library and Flinders University .
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
DR HEATHER ROBINSON Dr Heather Robinson is an executive producer of creative projects and events , with a PhD in cultural policy and evaluation . Her project management , communications , sponsorship and audience development skill set were honed across the Australian cultural sector . Her research into the creative industries demonstrates how and why incorporating narrative approaches to cultural evaluation provides meaning essential to balance current measurement trends , sustaining life-long community relationships and a flourishing cultural ecology with long-term social and economic benefits .
SIMON MILLCOCK Simon Millcock is the CEO of the Legatus Group a SA Regional Organisation of 15 Councils and has 22 years ’ experience in Regional Development . An active member of
Economic Development
Australia including as a National Director from 2008 -2014. Simon was EDA ’ s representative at International Economic Development Conferences in the USA and NZ . He has led trade delegations to and from Asia and the USA and many international economic development study tours . Simon ’ s work in Creative Industries includes the Townsville North Queensland Growing the Creative Industries Report and Screen Locations Guide . With the Legatus Group this includes a Creative Industries Report and the New Realities report .
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL VOL 14 NO 2 2021 39