The Council has launched a new online directory, aiming to enhance local economic activity and foster stronger community connections. 

The Council’s official website includes a directory of a wide range of businesses, services, and community organisations in the region. Through a centralised platform, the Council aims to improve local enterprises’ visibility and make accessing resources easier for the community. The Council launched this initiative in August 2024 to highlight its dedication to promoting local economic growth and building a cohesive community.

Directory enhances local engagement

The Hepburn Shire Council recently introduced an extensive online business and community directory to provide assistance to local businesses and community projects. This directory includes comprehensive listings in a wide range of categories, such as retail, hospitality, and essential services. Residents and visitors can explore and interact with local offerings on this centralised platform. 

The developers designed the directory’s interface for straightforward navigation, making it simple for users to browse and connect with businesses and services. Users can easily find what they’re looking for on the platform, which offers a wide range of listings. Finding information is a breeze with its user-friendly navigation. Additionally, local businesses and community organisations use the platform as a centralised hub to showcase their offerings. 

The Council’s overall goal of promoting economic resilience and building strong community connections aligns with this initiative. The directory also includes community services, volunteer opportunities, and local events alongside business listings. The Leeton Shire Council and the Leeton Business Chamber collaborated to develop the directory, which includes a range of categories such as “Community,” “Live,” “Work,” “Eat,” “Shop,” “Business & Industry,” and “Play.” 

The directory offers a comprehensive perspective on the community’s offerings. The Alumni Business Directory at RMIT University serves as a platform for alumni businesses to reach a wide audience of over 500,000 individuals, fostering connections within a global community and facilitating the promotion of their products and services.

Boosting local economy

The developers have launched a new online business and community directory with the goal of boosting economic resilience and improving residents’ overall quality of life. Mayor Brian Hood emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating, “The directory not only promotes economic vitality by connecting residents with local businesses, but also strengthens community cohesion by highlighting the important contributions of community organisations.” 

The directory connects residents and local businesses, promoting economic development. The use of a centralised platform encourages residents to actively support local enterprises, resulting in a significant boost to the local economy. The directory promotes a strong sense of community. The article highlights different groups and their activities, urging residents to get involved and participate in local events and initiatives. 

The directory enhances the quality of life for residents by providing simple access to information about local businesses and community organisations. The directory streamlines the process of locating services and support within the community. The directory aims to increase local businesses’ visibility, allowing them to thrive in their communities. The increased visibility can lead to higher sales and a stronger economic outlook for the community. 

Mayor Hood stated, “The directory aligns with the Council’s broader vision to promote economic resilience.” The online business and community directory illustrates these goals and advantages, proving to be a valuable asset for both residents and businesses, fostering economic development, and strengthening community bonds.

Key features

• Comprehensive Listings: The opportunity to explore a diverse selection of business categories and community services is available to users, facilitating the discovery of local options.
• User-Friendly Navigation: They have carefully crafted the interface to ensure a seamless user experience, enabling users to effortlessly access information in a timely manner.
• Account Creation for Businesses: Local businesses and community groups can create accounts and provide their relevant information, such as logos, locations, and contact details. Once approved, the directory makes these listings available to the public.
• Support for Local Economy: The directory fosters growth, encourages innovation, and promotes collaboration within the community by offering a platform for businesses to showcase their products and services.

The Hepburn Shire Council has introduced the online Business and Community Directory, which signifies a significant step forward in bolstering local businesses and community projects. This all-encompassing platform not only connects residents with a wide range of local services but also encourages community involvement and drives economic growth. Mayor Brian Hood emphasised the directory’s role in promoting economic vitality and community cohesion. 

He says that the directory connects residents with local businesses and highlights the important contributions of community organisations. This directory’s achievements in the future may serve as a catalyst for similar projects in different areas, potentially creating a network of interconnected community platforms that support local economies across the country. The directory will continue to develop and may include more features like real-time updates and improved search capabilities, which will make it even more useful and influential.

Justin Lance Marcel Lavadia

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Justin Lavadia is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum with a diverse writing background spanning various niches and formats. With a wealth of experience, he brings clarity and concise communication to digital content. His expertise lies in crafting engaging content and delivering impactful narratives that resonate with readers.

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