Connecting the Community since 1876 AND WESTERN DISTRICTS ADVERTISER
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THURSDAY 4 June 2020 Email: molongex@bigpond.net.au www.molongexpress.com.au
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The Boomerang Dollar : "We want you back"
"When domestic travellers return next week, they will begin a spending spree worth $1.3billion to the Central NSW economy*" said Mayor of Cabonne Kevin Beatty. "This will provide a huge boost for local businesses and will directly benefit the entire community." "With a majority 35% of travellers Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR), it is the local hosts who will play a vital role in this transaction. Accommodation may be hosted but they will spend more in cafes, restaurants, attractions, shops, gifts and on local produce." “Small business reinvests in the local economy at a higher rate than chains do, so I’m encouraging everyone to ‘love local’ and to get out and spend wisely in our community,” said Mayor Beatty. “My top tips for showing the love to our local businesses is to take a trip and visit our Cabonne unique towns and villages, be tempted by boutique retail, enjoy the many cellar doors, take a picnic in our breathtaking landscapes, sample some local produce, visit the galleries and museums such as the Age of Fishes Museum in Canowindra which is now open and welcoming visitors." "There is certainly something in Cabonne to enjoy for every visitor of any age and 'We Certainly Want You Back' and to keep coming back again and again" said Mayor Beatty. "An American Express Shop Small report in 2019 measured the ‘Boomerang Dollar’ which is the value of consumer spending within small businesses that flows back into the local community. Of each dollar spent
with small businesses, 45 cents are reinvested back into the local community. The other positive effects of supporting local businesses are the health benefits of local fresh seasonal produce, the environmental impact of low travel miles, and the social aspect of getting to know the locals." "In 2019 there were 2.8 million domestic overnight visitors who stayed 7.2 million nights in Central NSW and spent $1.3 billion. The majority of visitors to the region came for the purpose of Visiting Friends and Relatives and Holiday (35% each), followed by Business (21%)."* "A new $30,000 tourism campaign ‘We want you back’ will be rolled out in June - which is a new partnership between 10 LGA’s (local government areas), Orange360 and the Central NSW Joint Organisation. It features Orange, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Bathurst, Oberon, Forbes, Lachlan, Weddin and Parkes." "The campaign will feature 27 local tourism personalities sharing their stories on what they love about their region with tips on things to see, do and taste. A survey is also being undertaken to evaluate local spend through the Visiting Friends and Relatives "We want you back" initiative. Please fill in the short questionnaire at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ NJSLMGF. For more information contact Gabrielle Brewer, GBPR for Central NSW Joint Organisation. Ph: 0419 986 528 or gabrielle@gabriellebrewer.com. (Right) Popular Mayor of Cabonne, Kevin Beatty inviting visitors to return - "again and again"
(Above) Well done to Pippa and Dustin Lawrence who saved their pocket money to buy food to donate to the Molong Pantry to deliver to local families in need. P.11
Cabonne Country is an important food growing area where the fertile soils have produced fine quality healthy foods for 'the tables' of generations of residents. The sharing of food through the latest times of the long drought, the pandemic, job losses, business closure, and economic challenges has fired up more kitchen and camp ovens than ever before. The making, baking and sharing of food is a tradition that continues in the towns, villages and farming lands of Cabonne Country. As locals say "there is nothing like a warm homemade apple pie or lamb casserole to warm a heart and revive self-belief." (Right) Jasmin Bond loves to share her table with others "food is my thing and I love to share what I make". Whilst social isolation prevented Jasmin from sharing food with her church congregation, friends, neighbours ... Jas cooked and delivered to their homes. P.10
Financial grant assistance is now available for Cabonne Shire Businesses with the opening of the Newcrest Community Support Fund. The Newcrest Community Support Fund in conjunction with Central NSW Business HQ has launched the Newcrest Beyond the Curve Program to support local businesses in their recovery from COVID-19. $500,000 is available in grants funds and business support through Business HQ. For more information or to apply for assistance, visit www.bizhq.com.au
