Shop Local to Keep Jobs in the Shoalhaven

Shoalhaven City Council is calling on the community to boost Shoalhaven businesses by exploring their own backyard and shopping local.  

Council is also encouraging residents use their NSW Dine and Discover vouchers locally, go to the movies, book a whale watching experience or enjoy one of our many wineries with wide open spaces for dining and exploring with the family.  

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley said everyone can help play a part to keep local businesses afloat and community spirit alive during these uncertain times.   

“If everyone does a little, it adds up to a lot, to keep people in jobs and your favourite places open. I encourage everyone to Spend Here This Year in the Shoalhaven, shop local; have a staycation; and use your Dine and Discover vouchers for COVID-safe adventures and foodie experiences”, Clr Findley said.  

“Health and safety is critical, but we can also get behind our community and spend local this winter” Clr Findley said.  

President of the Shoalhaven Business Chamber, Jemma Tribe said, “Many of our businesses in the Shoalhaven are small, family-run organisations that rely on consistent tourism traffic and the trickle down effect that has, in order to stay afloat".  

“Local business owners have had many challenges over the past year and with key visitors restricted from visiting these businesses once again, they need local support. We can all do our bit and help fill the gaps by spending at our favourite shop or trying a new experience. 

If staying at home is your preference, purchasing products online from Shoalhaven businesses helps. You can directly contribute to the regeneration of lost revenue for your local cafés, retail shops, experience operators, wineries and breweries,” Ms Tribe said.  

If you are a local tourism business with a product to sell online via voucher, have deals specific to locals or have changed your products to adapt to COVID-19, you can fill out this online survey to get involved.  

For a full list of businesses and offerings in the Shoalhaven visit: shoalhaven.com/spendlocal. The Spend Here This Year campaign  shoalhaven.com/spendhere offers visitors unable to travel the opportunity to order online to enjoy Shoalhaven at home.