Mansfield business gets a boost

Published on 22 May 2025

Mansfield business owners and decision makers came together to consider how to give the town a boost and support local businesses, culminating in a hands-on 4-hour makeover with community members, businesses and Council coming together to create a space that boosts the town centre.

Internationally renowned placemaker David Engwicht led several sessions with Council staff, decision makers and business owners. David shared secrets for creating flourishing town centres on a shoestring budget and without the need for long, drawn-out planning processes.

On Friday 16 May, a 4-hour working bee saw the community and local business come together for a hands-on town centre makeover, marking the start of a 6-month trial on the High Street median strip. Community members helped build a new seating deck and children’s play area and repainted bollards to make the area feel more connected. A functional hitching-post was also installed in a nod to Mansfield’s equestrian roots.

The program’s first workshop on Wednesday 14 May, ‘How to boost your town’, was attended by 72 people, bringing together residents, businesses, Councillors and Council executives to learn tools and strategies for how to work together to boost the town.

A ‘How to boost your till’ workshop and breakfast followed on Thursday 15 May, sponsored by the newly-rebranded Delatite Chamber of Commerce. Forty-two people attended this workshop focussing on how businesses improve their bottom lines by helping to enhance the public spaces in front of their businesses.

Sessions were also held for Council staff, covering ways to better interact with the local business community and reduce red tape.

Businesses from all around Mansfield joined in the sessions. Many of High Street’s traders were there together with businesses from Mt Buller Road. There was a mix of hospitality, accommodation, tourism and professional services.

Jay Cooper, new Committee member, Delatite Chamber of Commerce, said many community members and business owners were getting on board to make a positive change to Mansfield’s public spaces.

“I joined in today because I’m excited to see Council trying a more permissive approach, letting the community have a go,” he said.

“Our community is strong and well-connected. It was great to see Council putting trust in the community to improve our town. Today is a great first step.

“The new features we built are just the beginning, a project to show what we can achieve when we all work together. I hope they encourage people to spend more time in the median strip and feel at home there. As more and more local businesses join the scene we could have our rich story literally in our street, with memorable places and characters building a stronger connection with our visitors and customers,” said Mr Cooper.

Delatite Chamber of Commerce is the new name for the former Mansfield and District Business Association. Mr Cooper said the rebrand aimed to recognise and include businesses in all sectors across the Shire. So many of our great producers and experiences are outside the township.

“In choosing a new name, the aim was to create a brand that we all get to own. We agreed on ‘Delatite Chamber of Commerce’ because it reflects our whole region while also standing out from other areas in the Victorian High Country,” he said.

“We have such a unique community, and we deserve a unique identity. Delatite Chamber of Commerce is an opportunity to focus on our culture. Projects like this are a great opportunity to express that,” said Mr Cooper.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the program was a great opportunity for community members to get directly involved in shaping their town.

“The Town Booster Program is about finding new ways we can make our town an even better place to live. It’s about getting people to come together, building a community and a space that keeps life in our public spaces and that works to boost our economy.

“We’re really grateful to the Delatite Chamber of Commerce for enthusiastically supporting the program.” said Cr Rabie.

“We’re committed to removing red tape and making sure the economy is supported by Council working with our business community, and through our businesses working together to make Mansfield Shire an even better place to do business. We have planned this program to deliver training and a number of hands-on opportunities to connect and learn. We are grateful to the business community for coming together to make the most of this opportunity.

“The 4-hour makeover event is one example of how we can get things done to enhance our spaces when we work together and simplify processes. We really appreciate the time and materials donated by the Bush Market and MACE and everyone else involved.

“We’d love to hear our community’s thoughts on the outcomes of the Town Booster Program. If you have an idea for a local space or if you run a business and missed out on the opportunity to attend, contact our Economic Development team for more information.”