2024 Shop Local Wrap-up
Published on 21 January 2025
Media Release
20 January 2025
$1.3 MILLION SPENT LOCALLY!
For immediate release.
In its 16th 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 2024 Christmas Shop Local 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 13,000 entries, which directly contributed over $1.3M 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,
“It was wonderful to reward another eight community winners and four business winners of Cooee Cash cards over the course of the campaign, recognising their support for shopping locally and contributing to the reinvestment of funds back into the Gilgandra economy. Once again, we would like to thank Doug Clouten who helped with each draw, and Mark Walker who assisted with the major draw at A Christmas Wonderland.”
In 2024, 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 Activation & Communications Manager, Merscia Kouroulis, says,
“It was heartwarming to see so many residents and families come together to embrace the Christmas spirit and enjoy one another's company, with many stopping at local stalls, popping into shops for late night shopping and participating in activities, all while savouring a delicious bite to eat from our local hospitality providers. It really was a great way to finish off what has been a dynamic and eventful year for the community.
This activation and community event provides the opportunity local businesses and stallholders to showcase their range of products and services while giving shoppers the chance to find those perfect last-minute Christmas gifts
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! A big shout out to the team at Fire & Rescue Gilgandra for making Santa’s entrance a stand out and congratulations to Thompson’s Flooring Centre who took out the prize for our Local Business Christmas Display Competition!”
“The continued growth and support of Grow Gilgandra and Shop Local Program is truly wonderful. We’re excited about the year ahead and all the amazing events and activations lined up for the region."
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Contact: Merscia Kouroulis
Activation & Communications Manager
mkouroulis@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au
02 6817 8800