THE importance of buying local will again be highlighted throughout the Burdekin Shire, as the Burdekin Rewards Loyalty Program continues to encourage residents to shop locally in 2022.
That follows a decision of the Burdekin Shire Council to endorse a $3500 contribution towards the Ayr and Home Hill Chambers of Commerce to continue co-ordinating the program.
The initiative involves a loyalty card being stamped every time a person shops at participating stores and cafes and, once it is completed, is placed into entry barrels for the chance to win one of five $50 Burdekin gift cards monthly and one of three $1000 Burdekin gift cards annually.
Economic Development Advisory Group representative, Cr Michael Detenon said the program had been well supported by both locals and visitors in its first year.
“In 2021, the Burdekin Rewards Loyalty Program received more than 4000 entries and awarded more than 110 gift cards to a number of both residents and visitors to our Shire, simply for supporting our local businesses,” Cr Detenon said.
“This program was implemented in September 2020 in response to the impacts of COVID-19 on small businesses and is designed to support local operators by boosting awareness, support- ing local jobs and rewarding loyalty.
“The Burdekin is home to a range of boutique offerings that you won’t find in other towns or larger cities,” he said. “We welcome a lot of visitors to our region specifically for our shopping and it is a credit to the fantastic business owners and staff who represent our Shire so well.”
Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said support for the program was testament to the hard work of both Chambers of Commerce in the Burdekin. “I want to commend the Ayr and Home Hill Chambers of Commerce for championing local businesses and continuing the Burdekin Rewards Loyalty Program,” she said.
“Council is proud to support this initiative and it is exciting to see not only a significant amount of entries from residents of Burdekin postcodes, but also those from outside the Shire”.
“The Burdekin is the best place to live, work, play, visit and invest and our small businesses play a key role in this.”
Whether you have picked up a Burdekin Rewards Loyalty Program card in the past or not, Cr McLaughlin encouraged local residents to collect one and celebrate the incredible variety of retail and hospitality businesses in the region.
