Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone is calling on Riverland and Mallee residents to support small business and bolster local jobs by shopping local this Christmas.

With the festive season on our doorstep, Mr Whetstone said now more than ever local businesses in the Riverland are relying on the community’s support.

“Every dollar spent at a local business in the lead-up to Christmas is important for the region’s economy,” Mr Whetstone said. “During this festive season, I am encouraging locals to support small business in the region wherever they can and provide an important financial injection into the local economy.”

“Small business owners are the heart and soul of our local communities and many in the Riverland and Mallee are owned and managed by small families and employ local people.”

“This year has been particularly difficult with the pandemic, the recent damaging storms and the seasonal commodity prices.”

“It is our responsibility to support local business owners, many of whom are our neighbours, by committing to shop, eat, and spend locally when possible, especially during the upcoming festive season.”

“We have so many locally-owned businesses with amazing products, services, food, and experiences to offer and these businesses will only survive if we get behind them.”

Mr Whetstone said there are also many opportunities to order products in the Riverland and Mallee.

“Many businesses in the region are happy to price match and it’s always worthwhile asking the owners to order in what it is your looking for if it’s not on the shop floor.”

“Whether you’re making a start on the Christmas shopping, sending a bottle of wine to a friend or buying a gift voucher, supporting local businesses makes a big difference in our community.”

“The positive effects of shopping local are extensive, and the money received by local businesses for their goods or services, for the most part, goes right back into our local community.”