$1.8 MILLION SPENT LOCALLY
Published on 25 January 2022
In its 13th year, Gilgandra Region’s Shop Local Program saw significant spending and business support in the lead up to Christmas, showing just how many ‘local legends’ there are in this community.
This year saw a few changes to the Shop Local Program, developed in consultation with the Economic Development Committee. The program was once again backed by the community with close to 30,000 entries, which directly contributed over $1.8M to the Gilgandra economy. This saw a growth by 50% of the number of businesses supported by the program from last year, by way of the various receipts collected.
Mayor, Doug Batten says
“Year after year this program gives residents and visitors more reason to spend in Gilgandra, supporting local businesses, and showcasing the great range of products, services and gifts that can be accessed locally.
Adding,
“With the introduction of the digital and $20 entries per envelope we saw almost a 50% increase in the number of businesses supported through this program, so we thank the shoppers who really did share the love! There were ten community winners and five business winners of Cooee Cash cards over the course of the campaign, it was wonderful to be able to reward them for their efforts and have that money then reinvested back into the local economy. Once again we would like to thank Doug Clouten who helped with each draw”
To finish off promotion for 2021 with a bang, Bendigo Bank hosted the Bendigo Bank Gilgandra Bonanza Day which saw crowds of locals and travelers fill up Miller Street and celebrate Christmas festivities, market stalls and raffles.
Council’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Kathryn Larkin says,
“The main street was filled with so many people and families, it’s great when the community and businesses can come together to enjoy some vibrancy and activity and end the year on a high. A special thank you to Matt Zell for doing a wonderful job as the MC on the day”.
Adding,
“There was a good crowd present on Miller Street for the Bonus Shop Local Draw, where participants had to be there on the day to win. The stand out of the day was arrival of the jolly fella in red handing out lollies and sleigh rides to all the children, much to their delight. A shout out to the Gilgandra Rural Fire Brigade for making his entrance a stand out!”
This year also saw the addition of the ‘Local Legends’ promotion, where we showcased local faces doing their part in the community. The aim of this promotion was to further encourage community engagement with the Shop Local Program.
Mrs Larkin says,
“The growth of the Shop Local Program and Local Legends Promotion has been great to see, especially with the increase in entries, supported businesses and introduction of online entries. We look forward to the year ahead and all the upcoming events within the region.”