By Kannagi Bhatt
Photos by Gianna Rizzo
Launched in September, the Footscray Foodie app lets users earn points, rewards and badges when eating or drinking in and around Footscray.
Designed by Victoria University’s award-winning Hive Lab as a social good project to help boost the local economic post-COVID-19, the app’s gamified interface encourages people to not only try new places but to return to businesses and build up points to then become the ultimate Footscray Foodie.
Mayor Anthony Tran attended the fun-filled launch at Harry & Larry’s Twilight Market;
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have so many delicious options when it comes to food in Melbourne’s Inner West. Footscray Foodie will put our diverse eateries at your fingertips – I encourage you all to download the app today, explore our unique foodie culture and support some amazing local businesses”.
The app has a great modern design, using leaderboards to display the top traders and foodies, and makes searching for new or favourite eateries super simple. You can add to favorites, check out reviews and leave your own badges for good service, tasty food or a clean premises.
Working closely with Maribyrnong City Council, VU Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker celebrated their ongoing relationship;
“Footscray is a food-lovers heaven, and this app makes it all deliciously visible. It is an absolute winner for everyone… and another great example of bringing the community together – this time over great food. We are so pleased that our partnership with Maribyrnong City Council has produced this wonderful app”.
The Hive Lab has become a renowned place of innovation since launching in 2018, winning multiple awards for digital design, innovation and entrepreneurship, including Australia’s highest honour for design and innovation at the Good Design Awards in 2019.
To earn points, users simply download the app for free, create an account and scan the QR code at any participating trader – just look for the pink Footscray Foodie sticker in the window.
Download Footscray Foodie on the App Store and follow @footscrayfoodie on Instagram to stay up to date.
