This article is a summary of the podcast conversation 40. “Working Together to Shop Local, Support Local with Ash Watt from Why Leave Town”. Listen to the full episode on Spotify podcasts or Apple podcasts, and go here for the relevant links mentioned in the podcast. Read on for the summarised topics from the episode.

Working Together to Shop Local, Support Local

In rural and regional towns across Australia, it’s easier than ever to spend money with big corporations. Especially when gift cards are sold in the local post office or supermarket. But that convenience comes at a cost, because it means local businesses miss out on the support they need, to keep their community thriving.

Seeing how much money was leaving his local regional community, Ash Watt from Why Leave Town came up with a simple idea. A community gift card program, designed to help keep spending local and the money circulating in the region.

This conversation is about what shopping locally really means in a modern, digital world, and why small businesses remain the backbone of strong, connected and sustainable communities.

You can’t just say “everyone shop local”. You’ve gotta back it up! It’s also about getting a little bit deeper, and understanding or learning more about the stories behind local businesses

Overview of the Conversation

How local and community go hand in hand
The economic and social advantages and impact of shopping locally
How the Why Leave Town program helps local money stay within the local community throughout the year, making it ideal for both locals and tourists.

Examples of how to encourage a strong shop local culture and support for local businesses by using the gift cards for a big community impact.
How local currency “gift” cards can become embedded in the community as an alternative way to spend money.
Three ways towns and businesses can create a shop local culture that makes it easier for the community to support local businesses.

It’s about giving people that alternative to the bigger chain stores.

Ash shares one simple tip for the community plus one simple tip for businesses about how you can support local:

✓ To have a thriving community, you need to invest a little bit into it. And so to actually support the people who are the lifeblood of your community is really important.

✓ Have a long-term view. You can’t change things overnight when it comes to shopping local, and you can’t rely on just one product. You need to continually reinforce the shop local message.

This episode of The ReNewy Living Podcast was recorded on both Awabakal (Lake Macquarie NSW) and Kamilaroi (Tamworth NSW) country. I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and waters in these Aboriginal Countries.

I hope you’re feeling more confident about making a meaningful difference in your home and community. If this episode has made you feel hopeful to take action, please feel free to share the episode with your friends. It would mean the world to me!

Tune in to this story on Spotify podcasts and Apple Podcasts… And you can also sign up to my regular emails here… I look forward to sharing more stories with you next time.

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Working Together to Shop Local, Support Local (S5 Ep40)

Links from the Podcast Episode (S5 Ep40)

Why Leave Town helping communities promote local shopping
Social Impact. in the Regions a conference that better enables you to create more impact in your regional community.
Ready Communities supporting regional communities to build on existing strengths
Grafton Jacaranda Festival a 10 day celebration of blooming Jacarandas