Gippsland › Latest news › Baw Baw Local News

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