Shopping local the greatest gift of all this Christmas

Published Saturday, 18 December, 2021 at 12:13 PM

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Di Farmer

Lytton MP Joan Pease, Minister for Small Business Di Farmer and QPS Commissioner Katarina Carroll with The Collective Store owner Belinda Richards.

Lytton MP Joan Pease, Minister for Small Business Di Farmer and QPS Commissioner Katarina Carroll with The Collective Store owner Belinda Richards.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and Queenslanders are being encouraged to spread the festive cheer with their local small businesses this holiday season. 

Visiting The Collective Store in Wynnum today, Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said shopping local was the greatest gift for small business owners.

“Small businesses across the state have done such a wonderful job supporting the health of Queenslanders, often bearing the brunt of COVID restrictions,” Minister Farmer said.

“It’s been a really tough two years and these businesses have always put their communities first - and now it’s our turn.

“With the Christmas countdown well and truly on, now is a great time to get out and support small business by shopping local.

“Whether you’ve got last minute shopping or still looking to book the perfect family lunch, please think about the difference you can make by going local.  

“By celebrating with your family at a family-owned restaurant, purchasing your holiday feast from the local butcher or seafood market, or buying presents from your local gift shop, you are supporting other families in your community.”

Member for Lytton Joan Pease said shopping with small business was the gift that kept on giving.

“Shopping small and shopping local means you get fresh produce and unique gifts and products, but you’re also supporting families, business owners and Queensland jobs” she said.

“We have more than 4,000 small businesses calling the Bayside home, so I’m sure there is something for everyone to put under the tree.

“These businesses are our family, friends and the backbone of our community, so I hope everyone gets behind them this Christmas.”

The Collective Store owner Belinda Richards said her store only stocks Australian brands either handmade by locals or locally designed and ethically made abroad.

“If you’ve heard the saying - every time you buy from a small business an actual person does a little happy dance – that’s true,” Belinda said.

"The Collective Store supports amazing ethical Australian designers and artists who juggle their families, day jobs, and their side hustles or passion projects – they are the Jacks and Jills of all trades, running all facets of their business.

“Now more than ever, it’s time to support a small business and we welcome you to come do a little happy dance with us on behalf of all the amazing, creative locals.”

Queensland is home to more than 452,000 small businesses, contributing around $120 billion to Queensland’s economy every year.

“That’s why backing small business is at the heart of the Palaszczuk Government’s $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” Minister Farmer said.

“We have lots of reasons to celebrate in Queensland right now, and we have small businesses to thank for their role in keeping us safe.”

 

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Brew 0468 839 551