Putting Blackwood on the map

By Lachlan Ellis

A new map of Blackwood will showcase the town’s tourist sites, walks, businesses and more, and locals are excited to show their town off.

The map will be produced by Meridian Maps, with the Blackwood community pooling together ideas and photos for what to include.

Karen Bruno from The Blackwood Hat Shoppe approached Meridian Maps with the idea, and said the map would be unlike any map of Blackwood ever produced.

“It’s become a town project. Current maps only include Blackwood in about a two-inch square on a whole map, so we’re only a small part of a huge map. We’re only a small section of any map that’s in existence. That’s why I wanted to create a map that details the streets of Blackwood and historical features for tourists to look at, and promote local businesses,” Ms Bruno told the Moorabool News.

“I’ve contacted all of the businesses in town, and we’re all now developing the map together, it’s kind of a grassroots movement. We’re doing what Blackwood does and getting on with it. Meridian Maps have been fantastic at working with the town and I on this project, they’re very experienced and have real know-how.

“To my knowledge there hasn’t ever been a map like this. It’ll be something quite unique for us, and just a fabulous asset to both tourists and businesses. People are surprised how much there is to do here.”

A photo competition is also in the works to compile photos for the map, with prizes on offer for those whose photos are published such as hats and a free dinner.

Rochelle Spivak from Meridian Maps said the idea of a tourist map of Blackwood got off the ground while doing research for the upcoming edition of the Lerderderg & Werribee Gorges Map Guide.

“We met with Karen Bruno and were discussing why we were there. She asked about a tourist map for Blackwood, and the discussion went from there. At this point we are at the mock-up stage, but would like the map published by the end of October if possible,” Ms Spivak said.

“At this stage I am anticipating a two-sided map with one map being from St Erth to Golden Point. It will show the Whipstick Loop Walk and Blackwood Mineral Springs Walk, and I also envisage a town enlargement with an Historic Tree Walk, all businesses identified, et cetera.”

The map is expected to cost $5.95, and be available at businesses in Blackwood and District, as well as Melbourne map retailers.