THE Fraser Coast Gift Card initiative is helping boost confidence within the Maryborough business community.
That was the message shared by Maryborough Chamber of Commerce President Michelle Clunn in the Heritage City today.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour and Ms Clunn visited Wilcox Bikes in Adelaide Street after analysing the use of the gift cards across the region since the program’s inception in December last year.
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To date, more than $61,000 worth of local gift cards have been bought.
Some $34,000 has already been redeemed at participating businesses, meaning $27,000 is still in the community waiting to be spent.
Ms Clunn said the Buy Local campaign had been a morale and confidence booster for Maryborough businesses.
“We feel very privileged to have been able to partner with Council on this initiative,” Ms Clunn said.
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She said the gift cards were a great way for money to be kept in the local economy.
The Open for Business Buy Local campaign was developed following feedback from local businesses and formed part of Council’s efforts to stimulate the Fraser Coast economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cr Seymour said the program was here to stay.
Of the $34,000 already spent using the gift cards, Cr Seymour said more than $18,000 had been spent in Maryborough, $14,500 in Hervey Bay and more than $1,000 at participating Tiaro businesses.
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Cr Seymour urged people to continue buying the gift cards and encouraged businesses to sign up to the Buy Local campaign.
“The gift cards are great for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas and birthdays,” he said.
“Anyone can buy a gift card at any time. Grandparents and relations who are unable to visit the Fraser Coast to celebrate a birthday, wedding or engagement can buy a card online to send to their grandkids, nieces, or nephews to spend in Fraser Coast shops.
“People living here can give them to each other as gifts for birthdays and clubs could use them as raffle prizes.”
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Meanwhile, Wilcox Bikes manager Vincent Bowyer said the gift cards could be used for a range of services at the shop.
Whether you’re after a new bicycle, accessories or a service, the card can be swiped easily to make payment.
Below are some of statistics from the program
Participating businesses by location
Hervey Bay: 93 (52%)
Maryborough: 79 (45%)
Tiaro 5: (3%)
Total businesses signed up across the Fraser Coast: 177
Business types
36% pubs and clubs
16% butchers, seafood and grocers.
14% with specialty retailers,
11% with restaurants,
10% with locally owned cafes and takeaways,
9% with locally owned hardware, trades and mechanical businesses and,
4% with locally owned fashion, hair and beauty businesses.
For more information on the program, click here.
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