| PUTTING LOCALS FIRST |
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The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester was elected on a platform of Putting Locals First. He said it was vital that local residents supported local businesses and encouraged people to shop locally at every opportunity to create more jobs for Gippsland. "As the world is engulfed in difficult economic times, it's important that we act locally to support our regional economy and look after the traders who support our community, year after year," Mr Chester said. "Too often, people go outside of the region to find what could have been sourced locally. "By the time you factor in the cost of petrol and difficulty in receiving any follow up service, it is better to put locals first and buy as much as you can from businesses in Gippsland." Mr Chester said it was the local businesses which often sponsored local sporting and community organisations. "The small business sector makes a major contribution to our region both in terms of jobs that are created and donations to community activities," he said. "Don't under-estimate the impact of spending your money in local communities. "For example, if you buy something from the local sports store, the owners of the sports store might spend their money at the local shoe store, who might then make a purchase at the local jewellers and so the flow on benefits continue throughout our region. "We all like the luxury of having a shop just around the corner and having ready access to products we need urgently, so it's important that we all do our bit to support local businesses and allow them not only a viable future, but a prosperous future. "If local businesses are prospering, they will be in a better position to take on new staff and make an investment in training those staff and providing extra opportunities to them," Mr Chester. Destination Gippsland website - www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au |