In this newsletter we have changed the format. This month, we are bringing to you news about businesses moving, retail bouncing back, new plans to redesign the CBD, an initiative for new members to the community, and an exciting development with our sister organisation IMAG!
Afterwards there will be an IMAG special where we discuss past and present projects, and have news updates from our members.
In March, we saw some significant changes in our streetscape with the reincarnation of the name Beehive Corner on the North West corner of George Street and North Terrace. This ws combined with with Denton's Sportspower moving into the former Target premises, and Ian Seebohm’s In 2 Trophies moving into Chris and Donna Denton's former premises. Meanwhile at the other end of George Street , Peter Meagher has established his Trusted Automotive business, and we welcome his new business to Millicent.
Given the significant challenges that Millicent businesses dealt with regarding Covid 19 in 2020, it is reassuring that both industry and the community are investing and working together to develop and attract further business in the Millicent area.
Each year we tabulate the percentage of vacant or empty shops in the main street as a guide on how our town is performing. In 2018 the shop vacancy rate was 18%, whilst in 2019 the rate was 17% . Currently, the shop vacancy rate is now 14% (i.e. only nine empty shops out of 64), so it indicates we are heading in the right direction!
The MBCA is not just about shops in the CBD. We continue to collaborate (i.e. like a 'Beehive') with all industries, the Wattle Range Council (WRC), and other organisations to attract business from across the whole Limestone Coast. We in Millicent are fortunate to have an enormous amount of products and services, within a great streetscape to offer.
In this regard, the MBCA committee was invited by the WRC to attend a briefing session on the streetscape project held by Wax Design. Your MBCA members provided constructive suggestions on what the town could look like. WRC is to be commended for involving the MBCA prior to broader public consultation.
Millicent is one of only three proclaimed shopping districts remaining in South Australia under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1977, which prevents supermarkets larger than 400sqm and shops larger than 200sqm from opening on specific days, including public holidays and Sundays. Your MBCA worked with both Woolworths and Fosters Foodland, per legislative requirements, over the Easter period.
Another example of working together is the Millicent & Surrounds Health Support Group (MASHSG) Millicent Expo on Friday 9 April commencing at 6pm. The MBCA will be there to catch up with new residents and other organisations.
Now returning to the Beehive Corner, it is noteworthy that this mural is Stage 1 and further works are proposed for this location. Many members may not be aware that the Imagine Millicent Arts Group (IMAG) is a sibling group to the MBCA. IMAG has the goal of improving the vibrancy of Millicent.
In this issue we highlight the work achieved by IMAG and their quest for #Millicent5280 to be known for its murals with the "Wind, Water and Wings” theme , together as a place to Live, Work and Play and located equidistant between coastal ports, the Coonawarra and Mt Gambier. IMAG Projects
Imagine Millicent Arts Group (IMAG) is a small group of volunteers that has a strong connec-
tion to the Millicent Business Community Association. IMAG are dedicated to making the community of Millicent vibrant through public art works.
Public art has many social and economic benefits, and IMAG works with local, national and international artists to develop high quality work to enhance the vibrancy and economy of Millicent.
Our high quality 'Wind, Water & Wings’ murals have brought tangible benefits to the economy and profile of our proud Millicent community. Benefits include massive interest by visiting art trail tourist groups, geocaching communities, and social media profiles, reinforcing our tourist message that #Millicent5280 is a place for families to live, work and play.
Since 2017, IMAG has completed five (5) formal artwork projects. These are:
2018 :The Water Goddess on the old Savings Bank building was created by Mimby Jones Robinson.
2018: The old 'Nangula Hall piano’ art work transformation under the direction of Jeremy Ievens.
2019: The 'Giant Squid’ at the Millicent Skate Park by talented and renowned artist, Kitt Bennett.
2020: 'Shellscape on the Domain' by Melanie Spurling
2021: The reinvigoration of 'Beehive Corner’ as part of the Western Entrance Mural project by Mike Makatron.
The IMAG fundraises for these works by holding raffles, open gardens, t shirt sales and submitting grant applications. The raffles and garden days have been well supported by the public and we plan to continue holding similar fundraisers.
Both the Millicent Business Community Association and IMAG negotiate with renowned artists to bring public artwork of world class quality to bring vibrancy to the Millicent environs. IMAG have found all the artists to be very understanding of our goals and they have always done their best to achieve the arts works with the “Wind, Water & Wings” theme.
We look forward to the continued support of the Millicent and District community and know that each completed mural will not only improve the look of the town but create more interest from the tourism sector.
Already we have seen posts of the murals and artwork on several Facebook and Instagram pages where tourists have visited the town and gone away impressed from the experience.
Members' News & Out and About
Millicent Expo by the Millicent & Surrounds Health Support Group (M&SHSG).
This event is about bringing all new residents in Millicent and surrounding areas together to introduce them to community groups, sporting clubs, health and wellbeing services as well as local government providers, in one informal gathering with the aim of them to settle and enjoy their new lifestyle. There will be guest speakers and prizes to give away for
those who have registered.
NOTE: this for new residents and bookings are essential for Friday 9 April 2021 from 6– 8 pm. To register email mashsginc@gmail.com
TAFE SA courses for May and June include Initial Work Health & Safety Representative Training, Additional WHS Training, and Chemical Card. To learn about the costs and times please visit their website.
In Wattle Range Council news at a glance, the MBCA notes that an architect has been engaged to scope development workshops with staff representatives and
elected members for the new Council offices.
Council is seeking comment on a proposed no standing zone on William Road in front of Boneham Aged Care.
We also note the expanded holiday program for the school holidays. The latest newsletter is available on the Council website www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au
A snapshot of Regional Development Australia news, in SA Local Government Infrastructure Grants, the DC of Grant received $850K for saleyards upgrades, the City of Mt Gambier received $800k for shared cycling and walking paths, and the DC of Kingston received $662K for the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse.
Steve Chapple (formerly Wattle Range Council) is currently working on Regional Work SA project. To find out more visit: www.rdalc.org.au/subscribe
The Border Watch is running a ‘Marketing for Momentum’ seminar at the Mad Penguin Cafe
on 27 April 2021 commencing at 5.30pm.
With our committee out and about, we saw significant changes in our shopping precinct
this month, as Dentons Sportspower moved into the former Target Building, and in turn, IN 2 Trophies moved into Denton’s former premises. The MBCA congratulates both businesses in investing in Millicent, and we trust the community reciprocates with their continued support. Recently, Chairperson Lee Morgan caught up with Donna Denton and assistant Taylah to check out the store merchandise, and line up another pair of running shoes!
Featured picture is the Beehive Corner in progress by Ockert Le Roux.