Cockburn most web-savvy suburb
Online giant Google has named Cockburn, in Perth's south, WA's most web savvy suburb.
Google's annual eTown Awards, which recognises towns and cities with small businesses that make the best use of the internet, named Cockburn their state-wide winner.
Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said he was delighted that the city's hard-working businesses had been recognised with the accolade.
"Cockburn is a world-class city whose businesses are now being recognised on a global scale with this most recent nomination from Google," Mr Howlett said.
Melville Cockburn Chamber of Commerce executive officer Louise Towler said a combination of community workshops and an increasingly younger demographic were great contributors to the area's growth online. She says there has been an almost 40 percent rise in people aged 15-35 living in the area.
"Cockburn is in 'boom town' mode with our main retail centre expanding, and growth in construction, medical and retail businesses. More affordable accommodation has also opened right on the main train line. Put all this together and we're seeing a large, digitally-savvy youth population flock to the area and take that knowledge and experience to their places of employment," Ms Towler said.
Recent research has linked digital engagement and commercial success.
A Deloitte Access Economics report published this year found that Australian small businesses with high digital engagement were twice as likely to be growing revenue and earned twice as much revenue per employee. The report also found that these businesses were four times more likely to be hiring additional staff.
Google Australia, head of local business, Claire Hatton said every business has an opportunity to engage customers and grow online.
"The location of your shop front or size of your workforce doesn't matter online," she said.
"Whether you're a boutique retailer, electrician or cafe, if you're not online you're missing out on a direct line to thousands of potential customers."
Other towns recognised across Australia include: Darwin, NT; Holdfast Bay, SA; Launceston, Tasmania; North Sydney, NSW Port Phillip, Victoria; South Canberra, ACT; Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
The overall winner will be announced by Google later this month.
