STAWELL - A new initiative has been launched by Landmark Harcourts in Stawell to encourage residents to speak out about why they love their town.
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The 'I Love Stawell' campaign will be operated through social media site Facebook and encourages residents to share stories and photographs about why they chose to live here and what they love about Stawell.
Bruce McIlvride, Licensed Agent of Landmark Harcourts Stawell, said many residents had lived in Stawell all their lives, some had been here for 20, 30 or 40 years and he believed it was important for them to share their stories about what brought them here and more importantly, what has kept them here.
"The campaign aims to promote the town in a positive light by letting others know what is so good about Stawell," Mr McIlvride said.
"We chose to use Facebook as the medium to get the I Love Stawell message out there, as it will allow our community and tourists to the district to spread the message as far and wide as possible."
Landmark Harcourts Stawell has had I Love Stawell stickers produced and will be giving them away in the hope residents and tourists will place them on their cars. That way, when I Love Stawell stickers are spotted in other towns, it will spark interest and possibly encourage visitors to the district.
A photographic competition using Facebook, will also be conducted where people can submit a photograph of any landmark, person, event or business that appeals to them in Stawell. This competition will continue through to the end of September.
In addition to the photographic competition, Landmark Harcourts will also be conducting a drawing competition with primary schools in the region. Students will be given the opportunity to draw a picture of what they love about Stawell and submit that for the chance to win prizes.
Anyone can participate by going to Facebook, liking the I Love Stawell Facebook page and contributing their own comments and photographs.
"As a local real estate agent, you become very connected with the mood and optimism of the local community and over recent months, particularly since the announcement of the pending mine closure, I've sensed a feeling of economic uncertainty amongst our residents," Mr McIlvride said.
"Rather than dwell on issues beyond our control, or relying on council to stimulate growth, why not take some action of our own to help promote this fantastic town and region?
"We see the I Love Stawell campaign as a simple way in which the community can help stimulate interest and drive prosperity in Stawell."
Residents wishing to share with others their stories on why they love Stawell, can simply visit the I Love Stawell Facebook page at facebook.com/ilovestawell