The impacts of the pandemic will be felt by our community for some time to come. To help those who have been hit hard, our Council has adopted a series of seven support packages valued at almost $19 million. The packages are aimed at assisting the ongoing recovery of our region's community, business, arts, culture and tourism sectors.
The latest round of support measures, valued at $2.04 million, include:
- grants worth a combined $590,000 to assist community groups and the events, arts, culture and heritage sectors
- media and marketing
- campaigns valued at $200,000 to encourage more domestic visitors to the region
- marketing initiatives valued at $100,000 to promote local businesses and activate public spaces.
The support package also features free parking in 2P zones in central Geelong during December 2021.
"Tourism campaigns are focusing on targeted Melbourne markets as well as the significant visiting friends and relatives market, with locals encouraged to become tourism ambassadors for the region," says Executive Director for Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine, Brett Ince.
"The established 'It's Our Backyard' campaign is also being extended to further promote our wonderfully diverse mix of local businesses. With so many unique shops, restaurants and services on offer, there's no shortage of inspiration to buy local."
Ensuring our region remains COVID safe is a priority, so grants will help event organisers cover the added costs for meeting COVID-safe requirements, such as QR codes, signage, sanitiser stations, training and COVID-safe marshals. According to Mr Ince, reducing overcrowding will also be a priority.
"With big numbers of visitors predicted, the 'Embrace the Space' campaign will encourage both locals and visitors to spread out and enjoy our region's hidden gems so that popular spaces are not overloaded with crowds."
According to Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan:
"These initiatives will help bring more people back into central Geelong and the wider region and lift our local economy."
"They'll support community and sporting groups' efforts to reconnect people, get our much-loved events back up and running and provide a needed boost for our arts and culture scene."
