Limestone Coast residents are being urged to “Go Local First” when it comes to Christmas shopping.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin is encouraging Barker residents to shop locally in the lead up to Christmas.
Mr Pasin said small businesses were the backbone of the Australian economy, accounting for a third of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and employing around half the total workforce.
“Cost of living is hurting the hip pocket for everyone, small businesses included, who are feeling the pinch as interest rates and power prices continue to rise,” Mr Pasin said.
“Now more than ever Australian small businesses need local communities, particularly regional ones, to support them by choosing to shop local, either in person or online.”
Between now and Christmas, Mr Pasin said he would support small businesses in Barker through the ‘Go Local First’ campaign; a national communications campaign targeted at promoting awareness of, and support for Australia’s 3.5 million small businesses.
“Small businesses are deeply engaged with their communities, including through sporting clubs, local schools, social and community groups.
“They support our communities and it’s up to us to support them by ensuring that as much as possible, our dollars are spent locally,” he said.
“Spending with local small businesses keeps money within our communities, helping the local economy thrive.”
Mr Pasin kicked off the Barker ‘Go Local First’ campaign this week at Little Blue Wren Gifts & Art, a newly established business in Mount Gambier.
The store is a family run business which aims to showcase and promote local artists.
More than 50% of the stockists in the Commercial Street West gift shop are local makers and creators from the Limestone Coast and neighbouring regions.
Mr Pasin said it was the perfect small business to kick off his 2022 ‘Go Local First’ campaign.
“Not only is Little Blue Wren a new business that deserves our support but it’s run by local members of our community who are passionate about supporting local artists.
“It’s a win win,” he said.
