Published on Tuesday, 29 April 2025 at 4:14:53 PM
The City’s Business Development, Events and Marketing Program supported a special Busselton Jetty immersive FAMIL experience on Saturday, 26 April 2025. The influencer campaign, ‘Whirlwind Weekend in Busselton’ is part of a broader effort to increase regional visitation, showcasing Busselton as a vibrant destination for a weekend getaway.
The City joined Tourism WA, Australia’s South West, Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association and some 40 business providers across the South West to showcase everything that makes this region truly special. Held at the Busselton Jetty Foreshore Precinct, WA-based influencers and industry partners shared their real-time experiences across their social media platforms. Contributions from multiple businesses, with significant combined social media reach provided a unique marketing opportunity for local businesses.
Mayor, Phill Cronin said: “Social media influencers are a powerful marketing tool with the ability to shape opinions, drive trends and spark conversations. The weekend was a unique opportunity to capture a diverse audience and encourage visitation to the region outside peak periods.”
“The campaign ticked all the boxes in terms of driving economic growth through increased visitation and enhanced brand visibility for many local businesses.”
The City is continuing its commitment to local economic growth, announcing the successful projects for Round 2 of the Economic Development and Marketing Grants. A total of nine projects will share $128,050 in funding, which is made possible through the Commercial, Industrial and Holiday Home differential rate.
Since its establishment in August 2023, the program has empowered the local business community with a greater voice in how differential rate funds are allocated. The initiative is already delivering strong economic outcomes, with previous successes including the Vasse Lions Twilight Markets to activate Vasse, the #PrinceStreetBusselton marketing and activation campaign for Prince Street businesses, Future Founders Program - Youth Entrepreneur Scholarship and Saturday’s Whirlwind Weekend in Busselton.
This funding round underscores the City’s focus on fostering innovation, promoting tourism, and supporting sustainable business initiatives that enhance the local economy. Projects funded in the latest round include an innovative digital South West Creative Directory; Women in Business Networking Event Series; ‘Art Beat’ youth mentorship program; Connected Futures Hub with local businesses and industry networks providing business support services; Activation and Marketing of the South West Craft Beer Trails initiative; along with the return of the successful Discover Busselton Walking Map; Business Excellence Awards 2025; Margaret River Wine Show and GoSHackathon2025 – WA’s biggest tech-innovative event for regional young people.
Applications for future rounds of funding will be announced in the new financial year. Program Application forms and guidelines are available on the City’s website.
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Council Plan (2024 - 2034) Key Theme Opportunity – We have a vibrant and growing economy with diverse opportunities for everyone to learn, work and flourish.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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