Go Local First!
That’s the name of the campaign to support our amazing small and family-owned businesses who have been doing it tough during Covid.
We have 3.5 million small and family owned businesses across Australia and they are the lifeblood of our local communities.
Over nine in ten businesses are small businesses. They account for 33% of Australia’s GDP and employ over 40% of our workforce.
When these businesses are thriving, our communities and our economy thrives. Covid was especially rough on these businesses – many of them are service-based, which means it was harder to shift to remote work.
While they’ve rebounded well, they still need our support.
We have a tradition in our office of all having Friday lunch together where we visit or get takeaway from one of our terrific local restaurants and cafes.
I’m sure you have your own favourites, but some of ours are: Georges Grill Seafood and Burgers in Loganholme, Mosaic Pizzas in Shailer Park, Serranos Mexican Cantina in Beenleigh, Kiwanda Café in Eagleby and Robin’s Pizza, Pasta and Ribs in Meadowbrook.
Doughnut World in Daisy Hill is also high on the must-do list, but they sell out so quickly that we haven’t had a chance to nab any of their doughnuts yet!
Beyond the economic benefits, there’s something about forging relationships with local community business owners that’s uniquely enjoyable.
The person who owns the local post office might be the same person who you stand next to at your kids’ footy game.
When you buy regularly from the same small business and you know each other’s name, it’s a far nicer experience than buying from a random stranger. I urge everyone to buy local wherever you can.
