Mansfield Unites to Boost Town Centre in Four-Day Activation
Published on 06 June 2025
Council is thanking all businesses and community members who participated in the recent four-day Town Booster Program.
Led by internationally renowned placemaker David Engwicht, the program explored practical and affordable ways to make Mansfield’s town centre more welcoming and engaging for both residents and visitors.
The highlight was a four-hour makeover event on Friday 16 May. Community members, Council staff and local businesses came together to design and deliver new features in High Street’s median strip that will be in place for a six-month trial.
Together they built a children’s nature play area with seating, repainted and decorated bollards and installed a functional hitching post celebrating Mansfield’s equestrian heritage. The play area has already proved popular with kids hitting the imaginary rapids and grabbing a photo opportunity. It features a donated kayak in a nod to the Shire’s lakes and rivers, with some fun artwork planned for the kayak in the near future. Council plans to redecorate the bollards seasonally.
The inviting features are expected to bring benefits to community members and local businesses by encouraging people to spend more time socialising and relaxing in the town centre.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie congratulated program participants on their work in the makeover.
“We were happy that so many people in our community came out to have a go through the Town Booster program,” he said.
“We received many generous contributions of time and materials. I’m proud that we were able to build the eye-catching features together with the local community. Working this way encourages people to really own their town.”
Many local businesses contributed generously to the makeover.
Home Station, Wild Mint Acres Nursery, Alpine Civil, Ski Chute Four, Mansfield Bush Market and MACE and Mansfield Pizza donated time, materials, plants, skis, and food for the community members at work.
Program participants were also grateful for items offered by Mansfield Hire, Snowgum Nursery, Delatite Hotel and Bear Log Homes, even though they were not needed once a decision was reached on what features to build.
Local businesses are already taking inspiration from the program and continuing to enhance High Street’s public space. The Mansfield Shoe Store has created a charming new “Shoe Garden” and seating area.
The program kicked off on 14 May with a workshop at the Mansfield Hotel, attended by 72 community members. It also included a breakfast event and workshop at the Delatite Hotel on 15 May sponsored by the Delatite Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has recently rebranded from its former name – Mansfield and District Business Association – reflecting a shift in focus to include all kinds of businesses across the Shire.
The program wrapped up with a vibrant street party hosted by The Grange, attended by over 60 residents, celebrating local creativity and connection in a fun, family-friendly way.
The total program cost was $12,493. Grant funding provided $9,000 towards the total. The Delatite Chamber of Commerce contributed $1,250. Council contributed $2,243.
The new features on High Street are now in a six-month trial period. Cr Rabie said all community members are encouraged to give feedback.
“Council is continuing to explore better ways of working with local businesses and other opportunities around our Shire,” he said.
“We’d love to hear our community’s thoughts on the outcomes of the program. If you have an idea for a local space or if you run a business and missed out on the opportunity to attend, please contact our Economic Development team.”
Community members wishing to share their ideas and thoughts are asked to email economic.development@mansfield.vic.gov.au.
Videos showing highlights of the program and makeover can be found on Mansfield Shire Council’s social media channels.