A Caves Beach entrepreneur has highlighted the benefits of localism to help communities thrive in a "post-COVID world".
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Daniel Borg created a website called Caves Beach Connect as "a Christmas gift to the community".
Mr Borg wants to help businesses network and grow, as the area comes to grips with new norms in a world forever changed by the pandemic.
"I created the website as a direct response to COVID-19," said Mr Borg, director of the Caves Beach-based branding and design company Psyborg.
He sought to provide a platform for the community to "promote and network local business".
Google Trends show that searches for the keyword "Caves Beach" has experienced growth in recent years.
"We have recently seen a spike in growth in Caves Beach, partly due to COVID-19 and rising property prices," he said.
"I think this is because many people are seeking a sea change, escaping the city life.
I wanted a way for Caves Beach locals, new arrivals and visitors to learn about the businesses that are operating right at their doorstep
- Daniel Borg
"I wanted a way for Caves Beach locals, new arrivals and visitors to learn about the businesses that are operating right at their doorstep."
More than 90 businesses have joined the website, which is free.
Mr Borg believes many business owners live at Caves Beach because of the lifestyle.
He speaks from experience, having run his business from a home studio for more than a decade.
"We realise how lucky we are to be living here. The area is an absolute treasure," he said.
"You don't have to dig too deep to find quality local businesses across multiple sectors."
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The website is a search engine for all Caves Beach business owners and operators, regardless of what areas they service. "To me, it's about supporting locals who live in the area and own or operate a business inside or outside of Caves Beach.
"For example we have a market research company that services a statewide audience, to a local entrepreneurial teen that mows local lawns."
He hopes the website encourages networking and mentoring, while "generally helping to grow the area in a post-COVID world".
"As the website [cavesbeach.info] becomes more known, I intend on hosting business networking events."
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