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Support Baw Baw Shire hospitality and businesses throughout the pandemic with 'Baw Baw Eat and Explore' campaign and website

Government project that encourages community to buy local products as much as they can to help the businesses thrive with the current challenges from the pandemic.

By news@gippsland - 24th August 2021 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire Council encourages residents to support local hospitality businesses and keep the community thriving throughout the pandemic with the Baw Baw Eat and Explore campaign and website. In response to the ongoing disruptions caused by Covid-19, Council has developed an online platform to make it easier to find great local takeaway options close to home - or wherever you might be.

Support local hospitality businesses and keep the community thriving throughout the pandemic with the Baw Baw Eat and Explore campaign

Buy local initiative inclusions

The 'Buy Local' initiative includes the following

• The Baw Baw Eat and Explore website, listing all Baw Baw cafes and restaurants searchable by area
• Supplying businesses with take away picnic boxes and advertising material to promote their takeaway options
• A promotional campaign rolled out across social media, radio and television

Aperloos Bakery in Warragul is just one example of a business embracing the Baw Baw Eat and Explore program. In response to the Covid-19 snap lockdowns, owners Di and James developed a creative way to remain engaged with their customers using social media.

Using the Baw Baw Eat and Explore takeaway boxes, the team filled them with delicious sweet and savoury treats for their customers to enjoy a picnic at home. The competitions on their social media channels were well received by their customers and enhanced the businesses brand awareness and online presence throughout lockdown.

Offering resources to assist businesses

The Baw Baw Eat and Explore 'Buy Local' initiative is one part of a broader business recovery support program provided by Council throughout the pandemic. The program included the temporary waiving of outdoor dining activation associated fees, a streamlined process for the approval of outdoor dining permits and the Baw Baw Business Support Service.

Offering resources to assist businesses with navigating Covid-19 information. A full breakdown of council's Covid-19 business support can be found on Council's website Coronavirus Business Support. Council's 'Buy Local' initiatives are supported by the State Government and Baw Baw Shire Council.

Struggling with the challenges

Mayor Cr Danny Goss said, "Like so many across the state, our hospitality industry is struggling with the challenges imposed by Covid-19. All the way along, the resilience and innovation shown throughout the Baw Baw Shire business community has been incredible and we want to do everything we can to help them."

"The Baw Baw Eat and Explore program is an innovative way for us to support those businesses to pivot their operations and continue to serve their customers' takeaway, in a safe and convenient manner. I encourage all residents to show their support and buy local whenever they can."

Keeping the doors open

Mark Kestigian, Director Economic Development, Arts and Advocacy said, "It's exciting to see so many owners of cafes and restaurants across Baw Baw Shire refusing to accept the pandemic as anything but another opportunity to keep their loyal customers happy while also keeping their doors open."
You can start exploring all the takeaway options available by visiting Baw Baw Eat & Explore. Businesses looking to get their hands on more picnic boxes can get in touch with Council's Economic Development Team via email at economic.development@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au or call us on 1300 BAW BAW.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• The Nationals and farm groups warn EPBC changes create uncertainty for farmers and land management
  Nationals leader Matt Canavan met with farm groups over concerns Labor’s EPBC changes could create uncertainty and regulatory risks. Industry wants amendments, clearer guidance, mapping, support tools and independent review.
• Morwell’s Icon Industrial receives $1.9M to upgrade infrastructure, attract investment, create jobs and diversify the local economy
  Morwell’s Icon Industrial development has received a $1.9 million grant for road, sewer, water and drainage upgrades, supporting investment, job creation and economic diversification as the region transitions from traditional industries.
• International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
  One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions.
• East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement.
• Gippsland Water reports progress on major projects, renewable energy and community engagement commitments
  Gippsland Water’s 2026 Community Report highlights progress on major infrastructure projects, achieving 100 per cent renewable energy, emergency support initiatives and increased community engagement through its Sounding Board.
• West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
  West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity.
• East Gippsland Councillors take council in community program to Twin Rivers district for local engagement on 29 September 2026
  East Gippsland Councillors will visit Bruthen, Johnsonville and Metung on September 29, meeting residents and businesses to discuss local priorities, challenges and opportunities through Council’s community engagement program.
• Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
  A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions.
• Mirboo North stadium funding still awaited after decade of community campaigning for modern sporting facility
  Mirboo North continues seeking funding for a new stadium after more than a decade of campaigning. Danny O’Brien is urging the Education Minister to support redevelopment.
• Moondarra Reservoir gains new pathway and native garden beds, enhancing recreation, accessibility and Aboriginal cultural connections
  Gippsland Water has completed a new pathway and native garden beds at Moondarra Reservoir, improving visitor access, enhancing recreation and incorporating local flora, Aboriginal cultural information and community collaboration.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.