Macarthur Square is doing its part for the environment with the “It’s In Our Hands” environmental expo. The expo follows several environmental initiatives for the Australian shopping centre, including a composting worm farm, rainwater tanks, and a recycling program.

The shopping center is partnering with a number of environmental and government organizations to put on the expo, which aims to help local residents effect positive change in their local environment.

Shoppers can learn how to reduce their waste, and water and energy use at home. They can also measure their carbon footprint, and measure their own energy and water efficiency.  Reusable bags are on offer, with environmental tips and retail discounts, and green prizes are available too.

No big surprises in this event, but it’s nice to see shopping centers still focusing on the environment. Do you think green marketing is more or less important during the current economic troubles we’re all experiencing?

Tourism Queensland has created an incredibly successful viral campaign, tapping into a desire that’s probably shared by most people on this planet: the desire to get paid for living on a beautiful, sunny island paradise.

The campaign is ostensibly looking for candidates for a new position: Caretaker of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Applicants are invited to upload a minute-long video explaining their qualifications to care for and promote the islands, and the website features the videos with social ranking features.

And of course, while locating the perfect caretaker, the Tourism Office is also doing an incredible job of promoting tourism to the islands.

Take a look at its video, if you’re not convinced:

Here’s a fantastic idea that slipped by me this Christmas. Broadway on the Mall recently participated in an auction for the Lord Mayor’s Community Trust by selling a little black dress designed exclusively for the mall. The Little Brisbane Dress was designed by Juli Grbac, a hot new Australian fashion designer that recently won Project Runway Australia.

Broadway on the Mall prides itself on being a fashion leader, so this opportunity was perfect for it. But working closely with local artists could be a successful combination for any mall.

Broadway on the Mall, in Brisbane, AU, has just launched its redesigned website, and it’s definitely worth a look.

The site is beautiful, and it takes advantage of a lot of current trends in web design. Large background images are very hot right now, and watercolour and hand drawn elements are still big news. This very fashionable site supports the mall’s fashionable image.

The content is also top-notch. With fashion advice and featured products at the forefront, the website pushes its brand without sacrificing navigability. Nothing a shopper would look for is more than two clicks away from their fingertips, and common-sense categories make the process painless. And by going light on Flash elements, the shopping center has kept the site fairly SEO friendly.

All in all, a great effort. Kudos to Broadway on the Mall.

Last week, Queen Street Mall in Brisbane, AU, celebrated the start of the Christmas season in style with a festive concert.

The “Stuff the Stocking” youth concert was a free, all ages event that aimed to raise over $10,000 for the Mission Australia Nightspot youth homeless program. With two stages, the event featured a number of great local bands. Visitors could leave presents under the Christmas tree to be distributed to the city’s homeless youth at Christmas.

City Centre Plaza, in QLD, AU is also encouraging the spirit of giving this year with its “Christmas Angel” program. Shoppers can nominate the people they feel do great work in their community, and the winner gets a well-deserved 3 night rest at a resort.