November 13th, 2022Go Local Clunes

Home or gardenware gifts, ethically-produced meats, the freshest fruits and
veggies, your pick of great coffee, a pot & parma and so much more. It’s time to
remind ourselves of the value of buying local.
While we all know how rich and varied the landscape of our local businesses are, the
pandemic has shifted our focus online, while the rise of living costs and supply chain
issues have made us consider travelling further afield to larger stores – and we seem to have
forgotten just how valuable shopping locally can be. But in Clunes, the town has decided
to get together and make sure that as the holiday season hits, going local isn’t left to chance.
From now until the end of January, people in Clunes will be reminded of the value of
buying local, through initiatives created by Clunes Neighbourhood House (and its social
enterprise BOOM Clunes), Creative Clunes and the Clunes Tourist & Development
Association and funded by the state government, business chambers and trader groups.
The Go Local Clunes initiative sees local buyers being rewarded with their chance of
a monthly cash prize of $200 PLUS $100 weekly vouchers. Better yet, the more you shop
at local participating stores, the more chances to win. Winners will be announced online
and on the community notice board in the main street. This initiative is not just confined
to local retailers – professionals, tradies, farms or accommodation – anyone who operates a
business in Clunes can register to be involved.
For the local businesses, this initiative also includes funding for in-store events held
between November and January. It could include bringing in an expert to demonstrate
a product of your business, or radio advertising to promote a special in-store event – the
options are only limited by your imagination and the funding. (Until funding runs out!)
In addition, local businesses are eligible for promotion through social media and
storytelling content funding. Go Local initiatives like this are not unusual. In fact, Clunes
is deliberately building on the momentum of the Go Local First campaign that was started
during the pandemic, implemented by Hepburn Shire Council. What is unusual is Clunes
businesses and trader groups have worked together to develop and deliver this project.
“It’s no mean feat to roll out a town-wide promotional and support campaign,”
said Lana de Kort, chief entrepreneur at BOOM Clunes and manager of the Clunes
Neighbourhood House.
“That a small rural town like Clunes can do this is testament to the willingness of
businesses and trader groups to work together in order to strengthen our town.”
To find out more about the project visit www.boomclunes.org/golocal or contact the
Go Local Officer, Victoria on 0420 432 931. (Advertorial)