SYKES: SHOP LOCALLY LISTS WELL RECEIVED BY LOCALS

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has this week released localised shopping lists to help raise ‘shop local, buy local’ awareness throughout the electorate.

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said, “It is important to raise that awareness and to get people thinking about shopping locally. To assist in achieving that goal I have printed town specific shopping lists which will be distributed to local businesses and organisations throughout the Electorate.

“Last week I spent a day in Mansfield and distributed ‘Shop in Mansfield’ lists which were well received by many local businesses,” Dr Sykes said. “The note pads include my office contact details with plenty of space for making notes and of course, shopping lists.

“I believe this will make a significant contribution toward raising the awareness of the importance of supporting local businesses.”

The growing propensity to ‘shop local, buy local’ awareness provides significant benefits to shops, businesses and service providers that build the local economy.

“Buying local means each and every one of us are helping to create jobs for local people and more importantly, giving young people opportunities to remain in their home town.”

Dr Sykes said it is especially important to support local businesses in the lead up to Christmas.

“Christmas spending enables local businesses to make up for quieter trade periods throughout the year. When you buy presents locally, you know that your money stays in your own town and further you don’t have the considerable fuel costs associated with travelling long distances to the big retail centres.

“It is important not to overlook the many community and farmers’ markets in the region as a great source for speciality items, presents and locally produced food for the dinner table.

“The personal benefits of shopping locally include avoiding parking hassles in Melbourne and larger regional centres, a more peaceful, convenient shopping experience and welcoming and friendly customer service.”

Dr Sykes said many parts of the north east are still in drought recovery, and businesses are working hard to overcome the challenges placed on them by the February 7 bushfires and global economic crisis.

“In difficult financial times it is in our hands to strengthen the prosperity and quality of life that our country towns offer and we can do that by supporting our local businesses,” Dr Sykes said.

“I hope residents will make the most of the shopping lists available in their areas and enjoy the experience of shopping locally, including in the lead up to Christmas.”

‘Shop in Mansfield’ and ‘Shop in Bonnie Doon’ lists are available from local businesses and organisations. Anyone interested in stocking the lists can contact Bill Sykes, 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla, phone 5672 2100 or email bill.sykes@parliament.vic.gov.au