Our locals are the first reason visitors have returned to our region. After the breathtaking Grampians views and the tastes of food & wine have faded, it’s the connection to our locals, their warmth and insights that will leave long-lasting memories, and turn visitors into ambassadors.

We invite you to share this bold new approach from our hidden gem in regional Victoria, and help us to celebrate what makes the Greater Hamilton region so special; our locals.

Discover vibrant imagery, videos and a library of text from 25 to 250 words for your convenience.

Full Media Release – 350 words 

Designed to be nimble and responsive to changing restrictions, ‘Inspired By Locals’ brings potential future visitors into the hearts and homes of residents, revealing insider secrets through evocative video content, interviews, blog posts and an interactive eMag.

The campaign draws on the region’s ability to deliver what many Australians are looking for right now; time, space, safe distancing, and connection. It’s inspired by locals, but is also for locals – to champion the things they love about their own backyards, to highlight resilient local businesses and attractions, and to share a piece of the region with loved ones. Residents can even mail postcards containing brand new hero imagery to the family and friends who they can’t wait to see, when the time is right. 

As travel restrictions lift, the campaign is designed to connect with the Victorian and South Australian drive markets, motivating Australians to hear local stories and insights, be compelled by the region’s unique experiences and plan a visit when they’re able to.

Businesses are fundamental to ‘Inspired By Locals’, and are supported with an Industry Toolkit to assist them to leverage the campaign’s success, through access to fresh content and innovative business support.

Southern Grampians Shire Council has taken this distinctive approach to marketing the Greater Hamilton / Southern Grampians region as part of a broader recovery & resilience campaign to see this regional economy through the impacts of COVID-19. 

Aligning with the “Connect Local” ethos, the website also contains “Book Local” and “Buy Local” portals, connecting people directly with the individuals they’re able to support. This can be through purchasing local produce, booking in a visit for when restrictions lift, or using a regional business to deliver a service they need.  

The Visitor Experience Team from Council’s Economic Development and Tourism unit are driving this campaign, which aligns with regional and State-level strategies to win the hearts, minds and wallets of domestic travellers. 

To discover secrets of the Southern Grampians and Greater Hamilton region, visit the website at www.inspiredbylocals.com.au.