Does Horsham have the best main street in Australia? 

We certainly think it’s a special place – and we’ll soon find out whether the community can claim bragging rights, with the regional city named among finalists for a ‘Mainstreet Australia’ gong, recognising outstanding regional main streets or town centres.  

West Vic Business, which nominated Horsham for the award, has cited Horsham’s boutique-stye shopping experience and accessibility among highlights of its appeal; and said its melting pot of long-term and newer businesses was ensuring its continuing vibrance and relevance for locals and visitors.  

Judges will consider Horsham CBDs innovation, benefit to the business and community, demonstration of best practice and trends, and its general success when crowning the winner, due to be announced at a gala event next month.  

It would add to the long-standing accolades, and community pride, Horsham has earned on a state and national stage under the Tidy Towns banner.  

Horsham Rural City Council has significant plans for the development of the area between the Wimmera River and Horsham’s CBD, with its long-term City to River plan underway. 

Its vision to reinvigorate the regional city is already making a mark and enhancing natural assets and central gathering spaces for current and future generations. 

This work has the potential to ‘level-up’ Horsham’s appeal – including its case for the most outstanding main street and town centre across Australia, now and into the future.  

Such awards offer Horsham and the broader community an opportunity to market the region and appeal to a broad audience. To put the town on the map. 

To celebrate the sense of community and laidback lifestyle the region offers. 

To seek the attention of people wanting a ‘tree change’ and roll out the welcome mat to recruit for the hundreds of vacant jobs that exist across the region – because we simply do not have the volume of people to undertake them. 

To increase our population and maintain and enhance existing services, and position the region to attract further investment. 

And all the while, seeking to ensure the regional community we know is not lost; that the sense of community, the country hospitality and our beloved lifestyle continues. 

The entire April 26, 2023 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire April 26, 2023 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!