2021 Mainstreet sa state conference wrap up

The Mainstreet SA State Conference in Clare was a huge success. Following two false starts in 2020 due to Covid-19, we rescheduled for June 2021. All of our keynote speakers flew in from overseas and interstate without a problem. Delegates representing Councils, business associations, suppliers and mainstreet practitioners thoroughly enjoyed the action-packed two-day program.

Our keynote speakers – Paul Lonsdale (Christchurch), Jane Laverty (Northern Rivers NSW) and Dean Cracknell (Town Teams) delivered excellent presentations complemented by ten practical sessions, two-panel sessions and a guided mainstreet walking tour over two days. The Watervale Hotel provided top-class cuisine at the historical Quelltaler Winery for the Conference Dinner.

Our major sponsors, the Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council and the Legatus Group, were delighted that such a wealth of mainstreet knowledge had descended on Clare township. In addition, South Australian Councils, particularly mid-north Councils, were engaged in two days of knowledge sharing and a Masterclass that focussed on the future of regional town halls and hotels.

Our sponsors included the Small Business Commissioner, Helping Hand Aged Care, Kelledy Jones, Jensen Plus and Littlehampton Bricks & Pavers. Delegates took away many practical tips about planning their mainstreets, developing new designs, engaging partners and celebrating success.