The West Journal App is a new platform built on the recommendations of real locals rather than ratings, reviews or algorithms. An idea born from the mighty Western Sydney, this Australian-made app was inspired by the local knowledge, hidden gems and communities often overlooked by mainstream discovery media platforms.

The platform will bring local-led discovery to users across New South Wales and, ultimately, around the world.

Launching with 1500 businesses and venues, and a strong and growing number of WEST Ambassadors who create the local and curated content, the platform aims to change how we discover places and businesses to visit.

The launch event featured a panel discussion focused on innovative ideas on reimagining local discovery in communities and the WEST Art Exhibition; a photographic showcase curated from the archives of The WEST Journal.

Member for Leppington and Government Whip Nathan Hagarty said: “The WEST Journal App is about helping people discover what’s around them through real local knowledge, while also giving small businesses and creators a stronger platform to connect with their communities.

“Western Sydney has long been the home of incredible local businesses, creative people and communities with their own stories to tell, so it makes sense that an idea like this started here.

“It’s great to see an Australian-made platform backing local businesses and showcasing the diversity and character of Western Sydney to a much wider audience.”

The WEST Group Founder Dean Boone said: “The WEST Journal App began with a simple question: ‘what are you doing this weekend?’ For most people, that question still ends in endless scrolling but now with the WEST Journal App the answer is closer than they think”.

“The WEST Journal App is built on a fundamentally different media model that changes the way people discover places to visit. Instead of seeing the results of algorithms, WEST Journal App users will discover businesses in their local area or a specific area they’re interested in with geolocated searches showcasing businesses, brands, events, promotions and WEST Ambassador content.

“The diversity and insider knowledge of Western Sydney is incredible. Our mission is to help people live like a local, whether in their own suburb or on the other side of the world, by curating their own experiences and itineraries.

“Most discovery platforms leave you with more options and less certainty. WEST closes that gap; you arrive curious and you leave with a plan: Decision Made.”

Built around the three pillars of travel, food and culture, The WEST Journal App brings everything people need to discover and plan their next experience into a single, geolocated digital community.

Features include:

  • Interactive map and geolocated content: discover travel, food and culture suburb by suburb – as local businesses appear as geo-discoverable pins - hyper local and hyper relevant to what people are looking for, wherever people are or plan to be.
  • Ambassador recommendations: curated content from real local creators, not algorithms, sharing the places they genuinely love.
  • Save, plan and share: the ability to build personal curated itineraries, save itineraries already in the WEST Journal app and easily share with friends and family via email, SMS or directly through The WEST Journal App.
  • Content that lasts: creator stories and itineraries live on in interactive maps long after the 72-hour life of a social post, staying searchable, save-able and ready to be returned to.
  • Local events and what’s on: council events, activations and community initiatives are surfaced directly in-app, so people can always find out what’s on around them.
  • Business profiles: customisable profiles for businesses of all sizes with real-time promotions, targeted events and unique monthly analytics to grow their business.

The WEST Journal App is available now and is free to download.