Shire of Ashburton Refresh

The Shire of Ashburton undertook a comprehensive website refresh to serve its diverse and geographically dispersed communities better. The primary goal of this refresh was to consolidate all of the Shire’s branding into a cohesive, visually appealing design while prioritising an easy and enjoyable user experience. 

View Website
Featured Image 1

Client Name
Shire of Ashburton Refresh

Website
ashburton.wa.gov.au/

Year
2024

Category
Website Design,

About the Client

A long-term CouncilConnect client, the Shire of Ashburton approached us in 2024 to revamp their digital presence with a fresh, modern take on their corporate website. The Shire spans a significant region, encompassing four towns, and is renowned for its unique environments and breathtaking natural wonders, attracting both locals and travellers alike.

The Brief

A key challenge the Shire of Ashburton faced with its previous website was the difficulty users encountered when trying to find content. Navigating the old site to locate specific information was often a frustrating experience. The new design effectively addresses this issue by prioritising user experience and ease of use. The Shire aimed to consolidate all of its brand elements into a single, cohesive design, resulting in a visually unified and highly functional website. The introduction of a three-fold mega menu and well-organised content feeds has made finding information quick and effortless. This seamless integration of brand and usability ensures that users can easily access the services and updates they need, making the website a valuable resource for the entire community.

Website Design

The Shire of Ashburton's refreshed website goes beyond visual enhancements, significantly improving the user experience through intuitive design and dynamic content. The homepage now features multiple feeds, including "What’s On," "Latest News," public events, and featured news events, ensuring visitors can easily stay informed about important community updates. Additionally, the integration of a newsletter subscription and a Facebook news feed provides seamless access to the Shire’s communications, keeping residents connected and engaged with local happenings. Combined with the new three-fold mega menu, these features create a streamlined and interactive experience, making it easier than ever for users to find relevant information and stay connected with the Shire’s activities.

Featured Image 2
Featured Image 3
Additional Image

The Outcome

The refreshed website's streamlined navigation, enhanced by the three-fold mega menu, along with the well-organised content feeds on the homepage, has made accessing important information and staying updated on community events more intuitive and enjoyable. The modern design, with its strong focus on user experience, has not only reinforced the Shire’s brand identity but also significantly improved digital engagement. Feedback from both residents and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the website's accessibility and the ease with which they can now connect with Shire services and news. The successful refresh has set a new standard for the Shire’s online presence, establishing it as a reliable and user-friendly resource for the entire community.