Buy a Local a local gift for Christmas

Ready to fish …. Ewan Walsh of Hervey Bay picks up the final supplies for a fishing trip to Swains Reef.

It will not be hard to find a Christmas present from among the more than 200 Fraser Coast businesses participating in the Fraser Coast Regional Council’s Buy Local campaign.

“There is so much to choose from,” Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said.

“Choose a haircut, a night out at a hotel or club, a book to read over the holidays, bling, a spa session or a visit to the Chiropractor.

“It doesn’t matter who you are buying for; picky aunts and uncles or the grandkids, there is something for everyone.”

Fraser Coast Gift Cards are the cornerstone of Council’s Open for Business Buy Local campaign, which was introduced in response to COVID-19, Mayor George Seymour said.

“Buying local is the best way for people to support Fraser Coast businesses, it’s great for local jobs and great for our local communities,” he said.

“Every $100 spent locally provides at least a $180 benefit to the local economy through the multiplier effect which is why we’re urging everyone to get behind this campaign and support local businesses.”

Businesses from Tiaro, Maryborough and Hervey Bay are involved in the program.

The card has lured some shoppers into Fishos’ Tackle World.

“We support any program that encourages locals to shop locally,” Fisho’s Tackle World manager Dane Radosevic said.

“Keeping money in our local economy helps create jobs to keep locals employed.

“And there is a such a range of shops and products that there is something for everyone.”

The gift card program, which has been running since December 2020, encourages residents and visitors to shop locally to help build a stronger united Fraser Coast business community.

“We’d love even more local businesses to get involved,” Cr Seymour said.

The program has been backed by the Tiaro, Maryborough and Hervey Bay Chambers of Commerce.

Businesses interested in joining the program can sign up through the Council webpage via www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/open-business-buy-local-fraser-coast  or email economic.development@frasercoast.qld.gov.au.

“The gift cards are great for any celebration and make a great birthday or Christmas gift, including for Secret Santa.

“Anyone can buy a card at any time.”

For more information including a full list of participating business and reload stores go to - frasercoastgiftcard.com.