Some of the members of the new Tooradin Commerce Committee include, from left,
By Bridget Brady
THE Tooradin business community has officially united to form the town’s first commerce group.
Members want to grow and promote the business community, while still preserving Tooradin’s unique village qualities.
A group of traders has met for about two years to discuss the business and community interests of the town, but the newly formed Tooradin Commerce Committee held its first elections about three weeks ago, with backing from the City of Casey.
Secretary Marlene Hargreaves said there were about 15 members currently and any member of a community group or organisation was welcome to join the Tooradin Commerce Committee.
Ms Hargreaves said she wanted to see all Tooradin traders unite to help to “brand” Tooradin and bring businesses under the one umbrella and help promote and entice tourism in the town.
“We want to bring the business community together. This is a unique place in a lot of ways,” she said.
Signs and plaques that explained Tooradin’s history and signs at the entry and exit of the township were some of the ideas the committee would work towards, Ms Hargreaves said.
“We are newly formed and full of energy and enthusiasm.”
Chairman Colin Butler said a doctors practice, which was already in the pipeline, would be a welcome addition to the town.
Mr Butler said a motel-like business would be fitting to accommodate tourists visiting the town.
However, he said Tooradin had restricted growth and it was important to protect the town’s village qualities.
“We still need to retain the village atmosphere,” Mr Butler said.
Membership is currently free, but Ms Hargreaves said a nominal fee would apply in the future.
