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Shop Local 16
Community News Shop Local In Bowen And Win
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The warm glow of salt lamps, the sweet perfume of an aromatherapy diffuser, a mesmerising backflow waterfall burner or a glass vase moulded into timber – these are just some of the gift ideas that can transform homes into havens this festive season.
They adorn the shelves of Goodness Gracious at the Whitsunday Shopping Centre in Cannonvale and the stores new owner, Jacki Movigliatti, invites everyone to come and browse the wide selection of healthy, organic, and alternative items she has for sale.
“We have leather, timber and embroidered diaries which are very popular this time of year,” she said. “We also stock a variety of candles, incense, bath salts, massage oils and an entire range of ‘Boody’ which is bamboo clothing – everything from sleepwear to active wear.”
Jacki has just taken over the reins of the longstanding health and organic produce business and said she is looking forward to continuing the good work of the previous owner while introducing some fresh ideas along the way. “I’d like to bring some more wholefoods in, and I am looking at some pesticide free fruit and veg as well,” she said. Originally from Townsville and having spent many years in the Atherton Tablelands, Jacki moved to the Whitsundays six years ago for a fresh start.
A yoga teacher for the past 20 years, she has also been an Ayurveda –a traditional medicine system native to India - practitioner for the last five, while teaching yoga. Looking to get back into the health industry, she jumped at the opportunity to become the new owner of Goodness Gracious.
With a reputation for its diverse range of health produce, the store stocks everything from spices to vitamins, beauty products to cushions and mats.
Jacki is also ordering some Christmas themed health foods this year, including specialist tea, gherkins and organic olives. Head into Goodness Gracious today and enjoy a wealth of health while supporting local this festive season.
Goodness Gracious owner, Jacki Movigliatti, holding a glass vase moulded into timber
Everyone in the community is encouraged to shop local this Christmas and, if supporting local small business is not incentive enough, then the Local 4 Locals campaign will definitely get you excited! With a total of $5000 worth of shopping vouchers to give away over the next three weeks, there will be a special draw each Friday in the run-up to Christmas. For your chance to win, simply purchase an item from one of the 23 participating stores and your entry will be put into the draw. The first draw will take place this evening in conjunction with the Christmas Street Fair and Markets during which many shops will be open for extended hours. “On the night there will be a special appearance by Santa and Rudolf,” said organiser Wendy Bickhoff. “Come down dressed in your best Christmas outfit and you may win a prize!’ For full details head to the Locals 4 Locals Bowen Facebook page. A prize of $1000 will be drawn this evening, December 2, and a further $1000 will be drawn on the following two Fridays - December 9 and 16.
Each entry from previous weeks will then go into the final grand prize pool of $2000 which will be drawn on December 23. The promotion itself begins at 8am today and all entries will be submitted for tonight’s draw. If you are local business and would like to participate in the campaign, simply chat to Wendy at Coral City to Country for full details.
The first draw will take place at 8pm this evening and the winner does not need to be present in order to claim the prize. WHAT: Local 4 Locals
WHERE: Participating shops in Bowen WHEN: Friday, December 2 from 8am to 5pm on Friday, December 23
The whole community are invited to the Proserpine Community Christmas Markets next Sunday. Photo credit: Declan Durrant
Back by popular demand, the Proserpine Community Markets are hosting their annual Christmas Fair and everyone is welcome to come down for a morning of lively music, fun activities, delicious food and of course Christmas Shopping. With an abundance of store holders, this years’ Christmas markets have seen a record number of businesses apply for a spot, and organiser Tarnia Patton said she is trying to find extra space at the site so she can cater for the additional enquires. From home-made trinkets to unique health products, plants and succulents, clothing and many other creative gift ideas, there is plenty to choose from if you are looking for a present that will make someone feel truly special on Christmas Day. By purchasing your presents at the Proserpine Christmas Markets, you will also have the added satisfaction that you are supporting a local small business who, in turn, will be reinvesting the money back into our region. This year, there will also be a special guest at the market, one that is sure to put a smile on every child’s face. “The big man in red will be coming along this year,” said Tarnia. “At 10.30am he will do walkthrough and then children will have the opportunity to sit down and tell Santa what they want for Christmas.”
The Joy Chimers will also be present on the day, performing with their chimes and offering a unique take on some of the most popular Christmas Carols. Lucy Sherrington and Noah Robinson will also be playing some of their popular music as shoppers soak up the vibrant Christmas Market atmosphere. A host of food vans will be on-site throughout the morning, and when weary legs need a break, you can relax on the lawn and sample home-made cakes, freshly brewed coffee and other delicious treats.
WHAT: Proserpine Community Christmas Markets
WHERE: 69 Marathon Street, Proserpine WHEN: Sunday, December 11 – 8.30am to 12.30pm SANTA: Arrives at 10.30am
Santa will be making an appearance at 10.30am. Photo credit: Declan Durrant
