Wine Association and Farmers Markets among latest Shire funding recipients

New online marketing campaign to drive local wine sales and a boost for the Margaret River Farmers Market’s click and collect platform are among the latest initiatives funded through the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s Community Care Package.

A further $51,294.73 was announced this week, funding four local community initiatives in support their efforts responding to the COVID-19 health pandemic.

This brings the Shire’s funding allocations made from the $2m care package to just over $243k since the package was first was announced in March 2020.

The most recent funding recipients include:

Margaret River Wine Association ($25,000) – Funds will be used towards the development and execution of a consolidated online marketing campaign aimed at generating sales, boosting local cashflow and increasing awareness of our local wines to new audiences.

Margaret River Farmers Market ($20,000) – Funds will enable their click and collect service to be used by a wide range of local food producers who may have limited options to sell their produce during the pandemic. The initiative aims to increase access for people to buy local and support our regional agricultural sector, and is open to any local producers who fit within the Margaret River Farmers Market guidelines.

Cowaramup Lions Club ($3680) – Funding will provide emergency relief food packages for international travellers stranded in the region. Coordinated though generous volunteer efforts of local community member Katy Tarrant, who conducted a thorough survey of immediate need throughout the area.

Swimming Women ($2614.73) – A free 8 week guided open swimming program and access to online training and program information. The initiative aims to connect community members, supporting mental health and social cohesiveness during this time.

Shire President Ian Earl said the latest funding support seeks to bolster businesses facing huge challenges as a result of the pandemic.

“Supporting our food and wine producers by connecting them with new markets is more important than ever,” he said.

“With limitations on travel to the region, broadening the number of potential customers buying local wines online is critical.

“Strengthening the capability of our local farmers market to sell a broad range of goods online, is another fantastic way we can support our agricultural producers and food businesses.”

This fund continues to be open for proposals to deliver more COVID-19 recovery initiatives.

To find out more about the funding criteria, and how to submit an application, visit the COVID19 resource hub on the Shire's website.

To discuss your ideas in the first instance please contact the Community Recovery Team at (08) 9780 5255 or [email protected]