They say that there is no better promotion than the ‘word of mouth’ and in 2013; the Shire of Kulin hopes that its latest cheeky tourism initiative will cause a lot of conversation. Already a popular self-drive destination, Kulin intends to stay on the map of those exploring Western Australia in caravan’s and motorhomes and hopes their creative new ‘Billboards on Wheels’ campaign will do just that.
Three months ago, the Shire of Kulin put out the call for ambassadors willing to donate some space on their caravan or motorhome and have is replaced with a giant sticker ‘Billboard’. The result, a starting fleet of 14 vehicles, each with a unique design ready to advertise the vibrant Wheatbelt town all year round, across Australia!
Shire of Kulin Project Officer Gen Whisson says the project grew from a desire to think outside the square and promote the Kulin Region is a ways which were not currently being done. “Rather than tempting travellers through caravanning magazines, we thought we would go one step further and place our AD’s on the caravans themselves!” Gen said.
“Everyone knows that most itineraries are cemented standing around the camper’s kitchen or in the ablution block so what better way to help spread the word than to be right there in the conversations which happen in the caravan parks and camping areas.”
Kulin Shire President Jim Sullivan said the response to the campaign had been overwhelming with volunteers from across the continent putting their beloved travel vehicles forward as ambassadors.
“The stickers have been placed on vehicles from far and wide including, Victoria, New South Wales, Perth, Wattle Grove, Como, Pingelly, Gin Gin, and of course Kulin,” Jim said.
“The stickers are bright and fun and really capture the energetic culture of the Kulin Region and the many experiences it offers to visitors including the Tin Horse Highway and annual Kulin Bush Races”.
With the quirky advertising operation ready to hit the road, last weekend the Shire of Kulin launched the Billboards with a ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ to help send travellers safely on their way with.
In attendance were John and Colleen James from New South Wales who whilst travelling through Kulin some weeks ago thought they would help promote the town who had shown them true rural hospitality.
“We really liked the town, loved the Tin Horse Highway and thought it would be a great way to help the community out,” said John. “Since ‘Rocky’ [The Italian Stallion Tin Horse] billboard went up on our van we have done about 6000 thousand kilometres and now we are heading back home to spread the word.”