Video campaign launches supporting Margaret River’s Main Street traders

A collaborative video campaign was launched today, aimed at welcoming visitors to Margaret River’s town centre despite major upgrades taking place along the Main Street.

The video has an underlying tone of tongue-in-cheek humour, telling viewers that shops are open for business and parking is available behind the Main Street, with the makeover due for completion by Christmas.

Shire Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Addison-Brown gave credit to the local businesses and filmmakers who drove the idea and tone of the video. 

 “Some Main Street traders and the Margaret River Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MRCCI) asked us to fund an idea to create a video campaign that would support a better visitor experience in Margaret River on the back of COVID-19 and in the face of ongoing roadworks - delivered in a light and humorous way.

“The collaboration grew to include Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association and Creative Corner, skilfully produced by local filmmakers Mark Boskell & Darren McCagh from Mixtape Creative & Farmhouse Films,” she said. 

Local business owner, Marcelle Egberts from Margaret River Bakery, said shop owners wanted visitors to know what’s happening in the centre of town.

“We want visitors to know, yes there are works going on, but the town is very much open for business. 

“With restaurants and cafés still operating under restricted capacities due to COVID-19, it’s best to plan and book ahead to avoid any disappointment,” she said.

Joint Chief Executive Officer of Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, Sharna Kearney, said the State’s hard border closures as a result of COVID-19 had changed visitation patterns to the South West.

“With increasing numbers of visitors coming to Margaret River from Perth and around the State over what has traditionally been our quieter period, there is a need to let people know what’s happening ahead of their visit.” 

MRCCI President Melissa Rose said the Chamber was really happy to be part of this collaborative project. 

“The light-hearted and humorous approach is a fantastic depiction of our town's personality and resilience through this challenging time. 

 “With recent confirmation that the Third stage has been funded, we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that we'll have a wonderful new main street by Christmas.  

“In the meantime, the MRCCI will continue to support and advocate for our Main Street Traders in any way we can,” she said.

The Main Street Makeover includes critical storm water drainage upgrades, a new Festival Precinct that can be temporarily closed off to traffic for events, new aggregate footpaths, two new roundabouts to improve traffic flows, a new designated cycle lane, more bike racks, more trees and landscaping, nine pedestrian crossing points and ambient new street lighting. 

This project is supported by the State Government of Western Australia via the South West Development Commission.

View and share the video at the Shire's Facebook page or use the following link to embed it on your website https://youtu.be/oN2-2owqHic