By Grace Frost
Artists, retailers and tradespeople from across the Macedon Ranges Shire and surrounds are beaming at the prospect of appearing on The Block, after teams in the television reality series sourced multiple products and services from local businesses for their renovation projects.
The Block has returned for its 18th season, with production and renovations occurring for the first time in country Victoria.
Five teams are each restoring houses on 10-acre allotments in Gisborne South, plus host Scott Cam is also renovating a house at the site.
Macedon Ranges-based businesses such as Anorakki have partnered with The Block, with founders Jemma Peiper and Silje Eriksen providing ethically crafted, Scandi-inspired anorak jackets.
The TV teams on The Block this year wear the anorak jackets each in their respective team colours.
“We loved following the brave and hard-working contestants’ journey as they battle weather, building supply shortages and a little drama,” Ms Eriksen said.
“We knew our anoraks would be perfect for them.”
Antique store Kyneton Collective also supplied products to The Block this season.
Business owners Andy and Andrea Drieschner said they were happy to support the teams by providing product discounts.
They hope the series will encourage people to visit the region.
“[It] would be amazing if we could have people looking up a bit more about the Macedon Ranges and visiting Kyneton in particular,” Ms Drieschner said.
“I feel for the region because at least 70 per cent of our business is reliant on Melbourne trade. It was vacant without Melbourne being able to travel [to Kyneton during COVID-19 lockdowns].”
Though she was unsure whether the shopfront or business name would be featured on TV, Ms Drieschner said any promotion for local businesses was fantastic.
“A win for one of the traders is a win for all of them,” she said.
“If we can put that regional day trip on the map. I think that’s really great.”
Macedon Ranges Shire Council planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfeld said The Block showcased the values of regional living and provided local businesses with the ability to reach a large potential customer base.
“We are expecting to see an increase in visitation and general interest in the region due to the series, which will give a welcome boost to our local businesses who have been working hard to rebuild after being impacted by the pandemic and 2021 storm events,” she said.
“It was great to see this week’s episodes featuring the antique and arts shops in Piper Street, Kyneton and beautiful eateries in Gisborne.”
Ms Stockfeld said itineraries were available at visitmacedonranges.com for those wanting to explore businesses, experience tourist attractions and enjoy eateries in the Macedon Ranges, some of which feature in the series.
