The Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games will be a critical time for local businesses to showcase the best they have to offer, according to Peel Chamber of Commerce general manager Andrew McKerrell, and he says they are more than up to the task.
“With thousands of competitors converging on the region during the week, it will be absolutely huge for our local business, as not only participants but their families take in the sights and sounds in the CBD and surrounding area,” he said.
Earlier this year, the City of Mandurah encouraged local businesses to take part in an event passport, a booklet offering information about the event and special offers and discounts that would be part of a registration pack provided to athletes when they arrived.
Some “incredible initiatives” underway included special events, offers and entertainment hubs set up by local businesses to appeal to a variety of tastes, Mr McKerrell said.
The assortment of events both on and off the sporting field, in many different locations, gave more businesses the opportunity to share the benefits of the expected influx of visitors.
“It’s not just centralised in one small area – participants and spectators will be visiting incredible facilities throughout the region including Rushton Park, Bendigo Bank Stadium, Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Mandurah City Football Club and our golf clubs, just to name a few,” he said.
Showcasing the beautiful Peel region in the best possible way was also an investment in the future, Mr McKerrell said.
“The aim of the game is to spoil visitors while they were here, get them excited about the region so they will talk about it with their friends and family,’ he said.
“In doing so they come away with the idea that we are an incredible place to holiday and somewhere they should come back to enjoy once again.”
Mr McKerrell urged local residents to join in the fun of the Games, whether it be as a spectator at events, shopping at local businesses or dining with friends and family at local entertainment venues.
“There is even a special locals’ night and at the bridge quarter and they’ll also be doing some exciting things for Halloween,” he said.