As we approach summer and the busy festive season, Australians are being encouraged to safely and responsibly come together for a ‘Local Legends Lunch’ with supplies sourced from their local small businesses.
Australia’s 3.5 million small businesses contribute to a third of our economic activity, keep millions of Australians in jobs and are responsible for paying wages to more than half of our workforce. They are vital to our everyday lives – especially now in our economic recovery.
Go Local First is a six-month campaign being launched by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) with the support of the Commonwealth Government, New Sunrise Group and Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association (ACAPMA).
It urges Australians to choose to buy with small, local businesses and support the national economic recovery.
A $1,000 fuel voucher is up for grabs in each state and territory, which will be awarded to the best Local Legends Lunch spread that is uploaded to social media.
COSBOA, ACAPMA and New Sunrise Group will join with Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Michael McCormack and the Minister for Small and Family Business, the Hon Michaelia Cash to launch the Go Local First Local Legends Lunch, which will be held over the weekend of 4-6 December.
COSBOA Chair and ACAPMA Chief Executive, Mark McKenzie, said urges Australians to think outside the box when they’re shopping local.
“Go Local First when you head out to buy your supplies. Pick up chips, ice, lollies and a gas bottle from the servo, grab your sausages from a small locally owned butcher, and the beers or wine from a small local producer.
“But also think outside the box; try and use a lawn care business to get the cricket pitch mown in or visit a locally owned pharmacy for sunscreen and vitamins for the next day.”
New Sunrise Group is supporting the campaign and CEO Steve Cardinale, said: “We have 1,050 stores nationally, and every single one plays a critical role within their community. We’re often first to open and last to close – at night and in times of crisis.
“Our communities can always rely on us to be there for them. During the bushfires and floods last summer, our stores stayed open to the serve the SES and RFS, while supplying fuel and acting as a sanctuary to eat, have something to drink and catch up on rest. We’ll continue to stand with our communities through this crisis too.”
Deputy PM McCormack says that small businesses have been the real legends of 2020; having worked hard to ensure Australians have been able to access essential supplies and services.
“I am extremely grateful for the role they play in our lives so I would encourage everyone to get together for a Local Legends Lunch.”