Kevin Hillier says we need to do a better job of selling our area.
The City of Wyndham is all grown up and has a lot to be proud of. I know I’ve been critical of the naming of the new facilities in recent times, but the facilities themselves are brilliant. I’m referring mainly to the new Events Centre, the aquatic attraction and the Rec Centre. I don’t use their given names; that’s my personal protest.
I include Pacific Werribee in this, too, because it really has become a showpiece. The dining precinct is as good as any and the relocated Target and the other 40-odd new shops have really made it worth visiting. Add in the gold-class cinema and the bingo and library, and there’s something for everyone. At the moment there are traffic problems, but that’s in the name of progress, unlike many other gridlocked areas in our city … but that’s another story. First-class facilities like these and the tourist attractions we have will bring people to our city; that’s a no-brainer – well, almost. We need to let people know they’re here and promote the City of Wyndham.
I have long argued that the word Werribee is not a good marketing tool and, in fact, is detrimental to getting the message out. Once they hear that name, it’s game over. Werribee means mostly negative things to those outside the west and even to some inside.
Sell our strengths
I don’t want the council to waste truckloads of ratepayer money on a misguided advertising campaign. But I do see a case to market what we now have as, in my opinion, it would be money well spent if done properly. If it becomes another ‘Get Wyndham Moving’ then it will be a big waste. We can’t afford that and this council definitely can’t afford it. The opportunity is there to promote the Mansion precinct with the Open Range Zoo, Shadowfax Winery, the Mansion Hotel, the State Rose Garden, the emerging Wyndham Harbour development, Pacific Werribee and the new sports and events centres. We need a grown-up plan to match the grown-up area we have become. I only hope we have people in place who can seize this unique opportunity. ■
If you have any news or events, let me know at kevin@howdypartnersmedia. com.au
