Darren Chester MP

July 30, 2009

The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has stressed the need for the local community to support local businesses after spending the morning working at Sam and Franks hairdressers in Morwell.

Mr Chester was participating in the Pollies for Small Business program and said he had learnt a lot from the experience.

“There’s an ongoing need to promote the opportunities to shop locally and support local service providers if we’re to see towns like Morwell prosper in the future,” Mr Chester said.

“I’m a big believer in putting locals first and supporting the businesses which support our local community and sporting organisations and create local employment.

“Sam and Franks is a classic example. It is a local institution that has trained dozens of apprentices in the region and I enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside the staff.”

Mr Chester will continue his ‘putting locals first’ campaign to encourage local residents to support local businesses highlighting their importance to the future viability of Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.

“Small businesses are the engine room of the regional economy,” Mr Chester said.

“Apart from the ongoing issues of government red tape, the biggest challenge for businesses in Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley will be facing the flow-on impacts of the global financial situation over the next 12 months.

“Morwell in particular needs extra promotion to encourage people to shop locally and I’m looking forward to supporting the local business economy throughout my term in parliament.

“Putting locals first is a good way to help create jobs in our region and ensure that there are opportunities here for young people in the future.”