Media Release

Our locals are our best assets, which is why they are the centrepiece of our heartfelt stories.

Welcome to ‘Inspired By Locals’…

Our locals are the first reason visitors have returned to our region. After the breathtaking Grampians views and the tastes of food & wine have faded, it’s the connection to our locals, their warmth and insights that will leave long-lasting memories, and turn visitors into ambassadors.

We invite you to share this bold new approach from our hidden gem in regional Victoria, and help us to celebrate what makes the Greater Hamilton region so special; our locals.

Discover vibrant imagery, videos and a library of text from 25 to 250 words for your convenience.

Full Media Release – 350 words 

Designed to be nimble and responsive to changing restrictions, ‘Inspired By Locals’ brings potential future visitors into the hearts and homes of residents, revealing insider secrets through evocative video content, interviews, blog posts and an interactive eMag.

The campaign draws on the region’s ability to deliver what many Australians are looking for right now; time, space, safe distancing, and connection. It’s inspired by locals, but is also for locals – to champion the things they love about their own backyards, to highlight resilient local businesses and attractions, and to share a piece of the region with loved ones. Residents can even mail postcards containing brand new hero imagery to the family and friends who they can’t wait to see, when the time is right. 

As travel restrictions lift, the campaign is designed to connect with the Victorian and South Australian drive markets, motivating Australians to hear local stories and insights, be compelled by the region’s unique experiences and plan a visit when they’re able to.

Businesses are fundamental to ‘Inspired By Locals’, and are supported with an Industry Toolkit to assist them to leverage the campaign’s success, through access to fresh content and innovative business support.

Southern Grampians Shire Council has taken this distinctive approach to marketing the Greater Hamilton / Southern Grampians region as part of a broader recovery & resilience campaign to see this regional economy through the impacts of COVID-19. 

Aligning with the “Connect Local” ethos, the website also contains “Book Local” and “Buy Local” portals, connecting people directly with the individuals they’re able to support. This can be through purchasing local produce, booking in a visit for when restrictions lift, or using a regional business to deliver a service they need.  

The Visitor Experience Team from Council’s Economic Development and Tourism unit are driving this campaign, which aligns with regional and State-level strategies to win the hearts, minds and wallets of domestic travellers. 

To discover secrets of the Southern Grampians and Greater Hamilton region, visit the website at www.inspiredbylocals.com.au.  

Quotes For Use

“Inspired By Locals is a resilience and recovery initiative that strategically aligns with the State’s priority of building the potential of rural and regional Victoria. For local government to be able to adjust the tone and timing of this campaign in accordance with the rapidly changing restrictions is an important strength that will contribute to the success of this campaign.”

Michael Tudball

CEO, Southern Grampians Shire Council

“Right now, when people are reconsidering where they live, where they work and what they do, it’s important that our people are sharing their experiences in what makes our region not only a wonderful place to visit, but to live, work, invest or study. Keeping our region front of mind is thus a key element in aiding our economic recovery.”

Hugh Koch

Manager Economic Development & Tourism, Southern Grampians Shire Council

“It’s fantastic to see a local government show such commitment to our locals, in particular our local business community and the actual individuals behind each part of our visitor economy. We’re excited to continue to work with the team behind this campaign to get the most out of the Book Local, Buy Local and Connect Local elements of the campaign, and see real results for our regional businesses.”

Gary Traynor

HRBA Tourism Industry Subcommittee Chair and local business owner, Hamilton

Inspired By Locals

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Text Library

 

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Connect with our local media team:

Alison Quade, Strategic Communications Coordinator

P: 03 5573 0433   M: 0429 601 208   E: aquade@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au  

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