GO LOCAL FIRST Campaign

Published on 16 September 2021

The region’s business and tourism industry bodies are joining forces with Council to urge residents to spend locally and support small businesses affected by lockdown.

Council is partnering with Business Mudgee, Gulgong Chamber of Commerce, Rylstone Kandos Chamber of Commerce and Mudgee Region Tourism to reinforce the message of the renewed ‘GO LOCAL FIRST’ campaign. 

The campaign will highlight the crucial role small business plays in the nation’s economy and the continued need for Australians to GO LOCAL FIRST to support those small businesses as the Delta variant of COVID-19 wreaks havoc with the ability of small businesses to keep trading.

Local consumer data revealed that residents of the Mid-Western Region spent $42.6 million outside the region in the December 2020 quarter. If 10 per cent of this amount ($4.26 million) was instead spent locally, it would create 34 new jobs and provide a major boost to the region’s economy.

Mid-Western Regional Council Mayor, Des Kennedy said now more than ever it is so important to spend locally.

“We know so many small businesses are doing it tough right now as we mark almost five weeks in lockdown. So I urge anyone who has the means to, please spend locally wherever you can on goods and services,” Cr Kennedy said.

“By spending locally you are supporting a local business owner to keep trading, to keep employing locals and to help our economy emerge from lockdown.”

Mudgee Business President, Ali Broinowski said: “Local businesses have been closed in order to protect our community, and now we are encouraging our community to protect and support our businesses by purchasing locally first every time. If there is a local business which provides the goods or services you need - please support these first.”

Gulgong Chamber of Commerce Secretary, Paul Fookes said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and by shopping locally we can ensure local employment and a stronger community.”

Rylstone Kandos Business Chamber, Secretary Margot Palk said: “It’s powerful to keep money in our towns. If you spend it with a local business, they're likely to spend it locally too. This can have such a great impact on so many businesses and individuals.”

Mudgee Region Tourism Business Development Manager, Leianne Murphy said: “Collaboration has always been a driving force behind our region’s success. The GO LOCAL FIRST campaign is the ideal platform to demonstrate our collaboration, strong sense of community and incredible support of local businesses. It is an opportunity for us to engage with an audience that is ready, able and interested in supporting local business. This support will help to prepare our region for a strong rebound when the time is right to welcome visitors back again.”

GO LOCAL FIRST spokesperson Mark McKenzie said small businesses account for just over one-third of Australia’s GDP and a full economic recovery will not be possible without small businesses trading and providing jobs for their community.

“Far more jobs have been lost from small businesses than large during lockdowns – and that was before the significant downturn in activity we are seeing in parts of the country affected by the Delta variant of COVID-19.”

The GO LOCAL FIRST campaign will be rolled out on outdoor, radio, and digital advertising.

For more information on the campaign visit www.golocalfirst.com.au