The City of Greater Bendigo is urging residents to support local businesses in the lead up to Christmas and during the summer season.
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said it was important for the community to back local businesses as much as possible as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This is a critical time for locally-owned businesses who are hoping for strong trading in the lead up to Christmas and during the holiday season to help them bounce back," Cr Metcalf said.
"I know businesses are very grateful to the community for supporting them during the height of the pandemic, particularly when they were severely impacted by Melbourne's long lockdown, but they continue to need our support.
"Shopping locally or visiting local businesses online is one of the simplest and yet effective ways to help our businesses to keep trading and retain vital jobs in our community for the future.
"You can make a real difference when you Love Your Local. If you spend $100 in a local business nearly $70 stays here in the local community. When people purchase goods from online shops located outside of Greater Bendigo, only $3 remains here.*
"Your dollars go a lot further to help support local businesses and jobs, and you'll be taking the stress out of Christmas shopping by buying unique goods, gift vouchers or services for family and friends.
"Our region is lucky enough to have a wide variety of local suppliers, superb local produce, services and retailers of all kinds from pet groomers, plant nurseries, salons, cafes, bakeries, hotels, restaurants, fitness centres and attractions to boutiques and florists and many more that need our support.
"We want them to get through this pandemic and remain an important contributor to our region's local economy."
The City has launched a festive radio and social media campaign to encourage people to Love Your Local in the lead up to Christmas.
Bendigo Visitor Centre is also hosting a Love Your Local Christmas shopping night from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday December 9, 2021. Its popular Uniquely Bendigo brand brings together produce, crafts, treats and artworks created by local producers and creatives. For the first time, the curated range will include products from local Aboriginal artists and businesses.
Local musician Sherri Parry will be performing three sets during the shopping night on the steps outside the Bendigo Visitor Centre.
*Based on 2018 analysis by REMPLAN using ABS data.
