$1.5 Million Spent Locally!
Published on 15 January 2024
For immediate release.
In its 15th year, Gilgandra Region’s Shop Local Program saw significant spending and business support in the lead up to Christmas, showcasing just how many ‘local legends’ there are in this community!
The 2023 Shop Local Christmas initiative was developed in consultation with the Economic Development Committee as part of Grow Gilgandra program. Shop Local was once again backed by the community with over 16,000 entries, which directly contributed over $1.5M to the Gilgandra Region economy!
Mayor, Doug Batten says
“Shop Local is one of our biggest programs and year after year it gives residents and visitors more reason to spend in the Gilgandra Region, supporting local businesses and showcasing the great range of products, services and gifts that can be easily accessed locally”.
Adding,
“This year there were eight community winners and four business winners of Cooee Cash cards over the course of the campaign; it is always wonderful to reward the community 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.”
In 2023, there were two major draws on the evening of ‘A Christmas Wonderland’, where you had to be there on the night to win.
Council’s Acting Activation & Communications Manager, Merscia Kouroulis, says,
“It was lovely to see so many people and families come together to celebrate the Christmas spirit and enjoy each other’s company, with so many stopping at local stalls, popping into shops for late night shopping, smiling kids enjoying activities, and enjoying the delicious bites to eat.
It really was a great way to end what was a big and stimulating year for the community.”
This activation provided the opportunity for local businesses and stalls to showcase their products, and for shoppers to grab their last minute gift just in time for Christmas.
Adding,
“It was exciting to see the community plaza filled as the Major Shop Local Draw took place. The stand out of the evening was the arrival of the jolly fella in red handing out lollies and sleigh rides to all the children, much to their delight. A big shout out to the team at Fire & Rescue Gilgandra for making Santa’s entrance a stand out and congratulations to This N That who took out the prize for our Local Business Window Display Competition, and Mountainside Beauty who was runner-up!”
“The growth of the Shop Local Program has been great to see! We look forward to the year ahead and all the upcoming events within the region.”
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Contact: Merscia Kouroulis
Acting Activation & Communications Manager
mkouroulis@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au
02 6817 8800