Please note: this is an old article
It was published in August 2012, so the information may be out-of-date.
President of Mainstreet Australia, Steve Bentley, is elated to hear that the State Government has announced today a four year, $6 Million Streetlife program.
Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher said the Streetlife Program is aimed at assisting small businesses in local shopping precincts to boost skills, enhance marketing, improve online selling opportunities, and to support increased sales.
Mr Bentley said that "Mainstreet Australia has been championing the cause of the importance of a collective and collaborative approach to the marketing and management of main streets for many years. The focus of boosting skills and capitalising on new opportunities such as using social media is something that is seen to be very important in the new economy of main street success. Mainstreet Australia organises a range of business association support programs, conferences and training opportunities. We see main streets, town centres and local activity centres as the heart of the community where jobs, innovation, culture and social interaction can be fostered"
"We are looking forward to working in partnership with the State Government and other relevant agencies to further strengthen the economic and social benefits of main streets, local shopping strips and town centres."
Mr Bentley said, "Recent research conducted by Mainstreet Australia has revealed that there are an estimated 680 main street activity centres in Victoria accounting for 45% of total state wide floor space. Main street activity centres provide strong economic and social benefits to the people of Victoria by providing approximately 370,000 jobs and generating $15.5 billion in wages income."
"With this significant announcement of funding by the State Government we will see a new level of measurable support, growth and activity at a time when it really is needed by our main street business community."
For further Information please contact:
Steve Bentley on 0418 311417
Nicole Maslin on 0403 230412
Australian Retailers Association Media Release