For years, the Wesley Hill Market was the quintessential Saturday ritual for the Castlemaine community – a classic market filled with bargains, great food, and a lively atmosphere where people could spend hours catching up with friends, buying fresh produce, and letting the kids roam. However, the COVID-19 lockdowns led to a malaise that saw the market become a shadow of its former self.
Compounding the issue, the attached Wesley Hill Hall – a true country town gem – had also fallen into disuse, with barely anyone utilizing the space. Changes to the market’s committee and a muddied online presence meant communication with interested parties had become confused and inefficient.
Enter the new, purposeful committee who tasked me with revitalising the market’s online presence – both on social media and their website. The results have been transformative. A brand-new, beautifully designed website and a revamped social media strategy have attracted a surge of new followers, leading to a 65% increase in reach within just two weeks.
Now, the Wesley Hill Market is well on its way to reclaiming its status as the heartbeat of the local community, buzzing with energy and drawing in increased attendance. It’s a testament to the power of strategic digital communication to breathe new life into a cherished community institution.