New Handbook

Posted on 25 Oct 2013

Please note: this is an old article

It was published in October 2013, so the information may be out-of-date.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today announced a new guide to help retailers and the local government to create a vibrant and sustainable retail industry in north east Victoria.

Dr Sykes said the new handbook will promote economic development in these regions and is part of the State Government's continued focus on creating vibrant rural towns.  "The Rural Retail Handbook recommends communities should develop one strategic vision for our shopping strips and explore online tools to connect with customers and strengthen businesses," Dr Sykes said. "The handbook will provide practical guidance and support for our local businesses and retailers," he said. Dr Sykes said, "Businesses in local government areas throughout the Benalla Electorate are vibrant communities with many local businesses already adopting new technology and innovative marketing ideas. This project builds on what is already going on locally.

"There are many communities who have shown great resilience to bounce back from years of drought, bushfires and floods and the Rural Retail Handbook offers more ideas for people to take up and further grow their business."  Carley Tregoning, a graphic designer who relocated to Bright from Melbourne said, "As an owner of an emerging small business I am learning the importance of keeping up to speed with the ever changing consumer demands and needs- from social media, to networking, to educational and training options, it's all part of the bigger picture. "I think guidance such as this publication will be welcomed by the community, with the useful and easy to utilise strategies and ideas helping to gain an insight into what will make your business thrive and develop. This growth is an essential attribute to any successful business that we all desire as business owners, to have a tool to help develop it certainly is a great asset."

Louise Armstrong, chair of the Benalla Business Network (BBN) said, "The Benalla Business Network represents all businesses in Benalla and district but it's the retailers who are the ‘face' of Benalla. A strong retail sector reflects a strong community.
"Past promotions such as the ‘If you can't get to Paris, try Benalla' is used as an example of Best Practice Collaboration in the Rural Retail Handbook. The campaign was very successful in promoting our fantastic local businesses and BBN are currently planning for ‘Better Be Benalla' in the lead up to Christmas which encourages shoppers to look here first before heading out of town to buy."

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said as well as best-practice examples from across the globe and within Victoria, the handbook outlines the Victorian Coalition Government's strategies, available funding, resources and training to support economic development.

"Rural retailers face a range of issues, including escape spending to nearby regional cities or internet sales, declining population, limited household spending, economic uncertainty and changes to tourist and visitation patterns, so we are pleased to offer them this resource," Mrs Powell said.


The Rural Retail Handbook is part of Rural Councils Victoria's $3.3 million Networked Rural Councils Program funded by the Coalition Government.  To access the handbook please click on the link below