Residents and retailers to work together in revitalising Mansfield
Published on 16 April 2025
As part of a 4-day ‘Town Booster’ blitz, residents and retailers are invited to a series of workshops and events in Mansfield to boost the town’s shopping precinct and revitalise neighbourhoods.
The Town Booster program is run by David Engwicht, internationally renowned placemaker, who is considered one of the world’s most innovative thinkers on revitalising town centres. David is the co-creator of the 7 Day Makeover, where entire town centres are transformed in seven days using local volunteers at minimal cost.
The main shopping precinct in Mansfield is being used as a tester to roll out into other areas in the future.
David will work closely with businesses, community and Council to consider how everyone can play a role in boosting the local economy. He will share trade secrets for creating flourishing town centres on a shoestring budget, and without the need for long, drawn-out planning processes.
The audience will also hear how Mansfield Shire Council is cutting red tape to allow residents and retailers to undertake micro-initiatives that will breathe new life into the town. David will challenge local businesses and Council to build a visitor experience together.
“What if the secret to rejuvenating Mansfield was not some expensive makeover, but a series of mirco-interventions that you as residents and a business community can implement immediately?” David suggested.
“What would become possible if you had Council’s permission to really engage with the footpaths and public spaces and transform them?”
“We’ll get to the heart of those questions in our workshops before getting stuck into a makeover of part of the town. The 4-hour makeover is really fun, something for everyone in the community to join in,” David said.
President of the Mansfield and District Business Association Jon Gifford said the program was a great opportunity.
“MDBA are proud to partner in the delivery of the Town Booster Program with Mansfield Shire Council. We think this is a great opportunity for our business community to connect, upskill, and learn new approaches to boost their business,” he said.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie encouraged all community members to get involved.
“Our towns have a great, vibrant atmosphere, and the Town Booster program is a chance for us to build on that,” he said.
“The fact we can do it on a shoestring budget is even better – another way we can get the best bang for our ratepayers’ buck.
“I’m most excited about the chance for our community get involved directly, to own their town centre and make a difference. We’re really pleased as a Council to be able to bring this opportunity to our Shire,” Cr Rabie said.
Free workshops include:
‘How to boost your town’ – Residents & business owners.
Wednesday 14 May, 5.30-8.30pm
Mansfield Hotel
Learn the plan, tools and strategies for how the program will boost the town.
Drinks and nibbles provided.
‘How to boost your till’ – Business Owners
Thursday 15 May, 7am-10am
Delatite Hotel
Learn simple hacks to boost sales and create memorable customer experiences.
Breakfast provided.
‘The makeover part’ – Residents & Business Owners
Friday 16 May, 9am-1pm
Median Strip, Mansfield
Watch as we transform and makeover a section of the town in order to create a more attractive offering for customers, residents and visitors.
For further details please contact economic.development@mansfield.vic.gov.au or search “Mansfield Town Booster’ on Eventbrite to book your spot for free.