Council launch Inspired by Surf Coast

THE Surf Coast Shire council has launched its Inspired by Surf Coast campaign to further encourage people to shop locally.

The campaign aims to build upon Buy Surf Coast, which council launched in the first round of lockdown to help inform people which local businesses were still open and how they were operating.

Inspired by Surf Coast targets a larger local audience, providing information on hundreds of local shopping, food and drink, health and wellness and creative arts services.

Yogi Peace Club owner Emma Barr said the initiative was something she had been seeking for some time.

“There wasn’t really one place you could go to find out about all these amazing brands on the Surf Coast,” she said.

“I feel like it’s a good way to market the Surf Coast as a hub for small businesses. It sounds really exciting.”

Yogi Peace Club is among the hundreds of businesses featuring on the new website’s interactive map, which includes a search function to make it easy for shoppers to find what they want.

Cr David Bell said the website was designed with the help of locals to show the best the region had to offer.

“Inspired by Surf Coast is proudly created by the Surf Coast Shire council with the support of talented and creative local businesses including Fluid Design, Gruff, Surf Coast Creatives, Leslie Carvitto Photography and Flipswitch Media,” he said.

“We created a place where you can discover a variety of quality and innovative local products and services, connect with local businesses inspired by the Surf Coast and surrounds, and hear their stories.”

Cr Bell encouraged the community to support local businesses.

“We know things are tough for businesses right now and want to share the optimism, encourage people to shop local and engage with the #InspiredbySurfCoast message to support their favourite local businesses and products.”

To view the new Inspired by Surf Coast website head to buysurfcoast.com.au.

Accommodation providers are not included on the website, but council is encouraging tourism operators to take advantage of Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism and Australian Tourism Data Warehouse’s free listing offer by heading to greatoceanroadtourism.org.au/atdw-listing/.