Coonalpyn: SA's Best Regional Main Street
Flow region Coonalpyn 97.7fm has officially been awarded the title of South Australia's best regional main street at the 2017 Mainstreet South Australia Awards last week.
At the awards, Coorong District Council took home two for the Creating Coonalpyn project, including 'Best Regional Mainstreet Award' and 'Outstanding Partnerships Award' (with Country Arts South Australia).
Wayne had the story on Flow FM's Mid Morning Show.
Coorong District Council Mayor Neville Jaensch was delighted to accept the awards on behalf of Council, the Coonalpyn Arts Group, and Country Arts SA.
“We were up against much larger streets and towns like Rundle Mall and Victor Harbor, so we’re batting well above our average,” he says.
“Community-led arts projects can have such a positive impact on individuals and communities and strengthen their engagement and resilience and this is exactly what’s happened in Coonalpyn.
“Awards like this continue to recognise the amazing work of our community, our strong partnership with Country Arts and the innovative thinking of our staff.”
Council’s Director of Community and Corporate, Nat Traeger is beyond excited about the campaign’s success and said the awards were a win not only for Council, but the Coonalpyn Arts Group and the town’s residents.
“This is a hard-working group of community members who put passion and a lot of long hours into the projects, all which has led to exceptional outcomes for their district and its people,” Ms Traeger says.
“The Creating Coonalpyn project has really set a standard for other rural councils to think outside the square on how they can bring their towns to life.
The Council acknowledges that while this is good news, the announcement comes at a challenging time for the community.
Vincent Cammell, Council’s Chief Executive Officer says, “Last week was the closure of the Coonalpyn BP, and we know this has hit the community hard.”
“We are continuing to work with local people, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure there is alternative fuel access and ongoing tourism and economic growth opportunities; because awards like this reiterate the town is still well and truly alive.”
Ms Traeger adds, “It’s attracting growing interest from visitors across the country and we have new events and installations on their way for Coonalpyn – part of our commitment to keep it firmly on the map, and help grow community pride and resilience.”
Recognition for the town continues tomorrow, when the project is up for the state’s top tourism accolade at the 2017 South Australian Tourism Awards.
Image Source - Coorong District Council