Melbourne gets a new address

Melbourne is one of the first cities in the world, following London and New York, to acquire its very own domain name – .melbourne.

Individuals, business owners and brands located in Victoria will now have the opportunity to register a locally relevant web address and be a part of Melbourne and all that it represents.

From 10am Wednesday, October 1, eligible businesses and individuals can apply to purchase a .melbourne web address.

The Bank of Melbourne is one of the first companies to register with the address.

Another ambassador of a .melbourne web address is www.biketours.melbourne, a micro business operated by passionate Melburnian Michelle Brown. The business offers sightseeing tours around the city.

Successful candidates who apply for a .melbourne domain name during the ‘land rush’ period will be notified between November 9 and 12 and will join Melbourne Festival and other first-to-market businesses to use a .melbourne address.

Other businesses to become ambassadors of a .melbourne web address include Melbourne Festival, Eureka Skydeck, Destination Melbourne and the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.

Following the land rush application period during October, .melbourne web addresses become available on a first-come first-served basis from 10am on Wednesday, November 12.

Prices for .melbourne web addresses will start from approximately $65 and can be purchased from featured retailers such as Crazy Domains, Instra, Melbourne IT and Netregistry.

Adrian Kinderis, CEO of ARI Registry Services – the Melbourne-based technology company managing .melbourne – said the milestone would mark one of the most significant technology infrastructure projects in the state.

“A .melbourne web address will allow Victorian businesses and individuals to show an online affiliation to the city and increase geographical relevance to their target audience. There is also potential for businesses to be rewarded with added search engine optimisation benefits.”

For those interested in registering for a .melbourne web address or to find out more information, please visit www.live.melbourne