THREE decades since the birth of the internet, the humble town of Manilla has hit the World Wide Web.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The town's online presence is part of a holistic push to cement Manilla's future as a tourist destination.
In the real world, $50,000 in state government funds has paid for a new mural and significant upgrades to Rotary Park.
It comes at a time when the town needs tourism dollars more than ever, resident Mandy Skewes said.
"We have our business here and I've noticed a difference in the last couple of weeks since the mural and improvements have been done," she said.
"So many people are stopping again, and these are travellers.
"Hopefully with the online presence when people type in Manilla it's a place they will stop in."
Information technology is the way of the world and the new website will allow the town to broadcast what's there and why visitors should come, Tamworth Regional Council deputy mayor Phil Betts said.
"It will allow the potential to get to a broader market, it's the way of the future," he said.
"It's imperative, not only for Manilla but for regional NSW - we need to get people from the metropolitan areas out into regional NSW.
"If we all work together and get them into the rural areas it will help, it won't fix the drought situation because it's dire but it could bring people out to experience country life."
The new website shows visitors where they can grab a bite to eat, events that are on, activities, accommodation and covers the town's rich history.
Unveiled on Wednesday, Rotary Park boasts a mural painted by local artist Di Nicol of the business that once stood there around 1902, H.Baker's Coach and Waggon Factory.
The fountain has had a spruce up and there's big plans to upgrade the well-known bird aviary.
Read also:
Cr Phil Betts officially launched the improved public space at a small gathering attended by council staff and members of the community.
It's an iconic park, he said, but over the years it lost its way a bit.
"To be able to see it being rejuvenated and renovated for Manilla is absolutely fantastic," he said.
"The mural is a real starting point, the aviary is intended to bring it back to life as well and it brings that traditional feel back to this park.
"Manilla I feel is going to have a really, really strong future in the growth of Tamworth."
Tamworth Regional Council has set a goal to reach the 100,000 population mark by 2041, the current population is around 62,000.
To see Manilla's new tourism website visit manillansw.com.au.