As the festive season approaches, there’s one simple thing we can all do to make a real difference to our regional communities – think local first.
Across Bathurst, Blayney, Lithgow and Oberon, our towns and villages are home to an incredible range of businesses, offering everything from unique gifts and beautiful handmade products to delicious food, memorable experiences and everyday essentials.
And while the convenience of online shopping is hard to ignore, imagine the difference we could make if we all committed to spending just half of our Christmas budget within our own region.
That’s money supporting local jobs, local families and businesses that contribute so much to the communities we call home.
It’s also worth remembering that shopping local doesn’t just mean visiting traditional shopfronts.
Our region is full of talented makers, artists, home-based businesses and small operators selling through social media, local markets and community events. Some of the most thoughtful and unique Christmas gifts can be found right on our doorstep.
And let’s not forget our larger retailers and franchises. While they may carry national names, they are significant local employers, providing jobs and opportunities for people across our region.
The message isn’t that we should never shop online. It’s simply about looking locally first, exploring what our neighbouring towns have to offer, and heading online for those things we genuinely can’t find closer to home.
Local business leaders are encouraging residents to make their Christmas spending count.
Tatiana Coulter, President, Oberon Business & Tourism Association says “Every purchase made locally helps support the people and businesses that make Oberon special. This Christmas, let’s show them how much they’re valued. Here in Oberon, we have our Shop Local vouchers that we encourage to all of the community.”
When we asked Vicki Wilson, President, Bathurst Business Chamber, she commented “Supporting local small businesses at Christmas means supporting the heart and soul of our communities. These are the people who create local jobs, support our community events and give so much back to our towns. Every dollar spent locally helps keep our communities thriving, connected and strong. When we support local, we’re investing in our own future.”
Chatting to Steve Ring, President, Lithgow District Chamber of Commerce, he said “Shopping locally ensures your money stays in our community and that locals are employed. We encourage everyone to shop locally where possible”.
Sarah Hunter, on behalf of Blayney Shire Business Chamber said “ Support local this Christmas. Shop across Blayney Shire, discover unique gifts, support local jobs and businesses, and keep your Christmas spending within our community.”
Of course, Christmas isn’t just about what’s under the tree.
It’s about acknowledging the people we love, celebrating our own family traditions and finding opportunities to spend time together.
That might mean sharing a festive meal at home, catching up over lunch at a favourite local café or restaurant, or packing a picnic and enjoying one of the many wonderful free community events happening across the Central West.
There will be Christmas carols, markets, festive celebrations and family activities aplenty, with the celebrations continuing through to the spectacular New Year’s Eve event at Mount Panorama, hosted by the Bathurst Business Chamber.
These occasions remind us that some of the best things about the festive season don’t come with a price tag.
So, as we begin making our Christmas lists and planning our celebrations, perhaps we can make one small commitment.
Before we click ‘add to cart’, let’s see what’s available in our own backyard.
Because when we support our local businesses, we’re doing more than buying a gift. We’re helping build stronger, more vibrant communities for everyone.
And that’s something worth celebrating this holiday period.
Image: The Foundations Twilight Christmas Market, courtesy of The Foundations in Portland
Image: Blayney Twilight Shopping Event, thanks to Fiona May from Hamlet & Fields
Image: Oberon Christmas Market, from Oberon Farmers Market
