Campaign taps into sense of pride to boost trade

The Margaret River business community has had its first look at the promised campaign to bolster local trade during the main street redevelopment.

The Support Local campaign was unveiled to Margaret River Chamber of Commerce members yesterday morning by presi-dent Melissa d’Ath and Shire of Augusta-Margaret River sustainable economy officer Saul Cresswell.

The scheme, which also involves Transition Margaret River, was a partnership “promoting the bountiful offerings of the region and the benefits of thinking local first”, Mr Cresswell said. He said the effort was part of a push to remind residents about the importance of the local economy during difficult times and to “inspire an attitude of looking to the local before looking outside the region”.

The campaign would “capture some of the stories of local people and businesses in the community to help reinforce a sense of pride in our place”, Mr Cresswell said.

“Over the coming weeks, community members can expect to see posters, stickers, and a website,” he said.

“Transition Margaret River will be delivering a number of events throughout the year, including a Live Local Month in November, and the Shire and Margaret River Chamber will continue efforts to support local businesses and the local community.”

Ms d’Ath told the Times the chamber wanted to see every dollar spent in the local economy circulate four times.

“This was not to be just be about buyers,” she said.

“It was to be about urging industry, businesses, local government and not-for-profit organisations to access local services, or buy local supplies and buy local produce first.

“We wanted this to be an ongoing focus for the chamber and for our local sellers and local buyers — not just a fad, but to contribute to conversations, positive action and local pride.”

The project joins the Make It Local campaign by Transition, which has ratepayer funding, and the Shire’s Clean Businesses initiative.

“Each group brings different ideas, skills and resources to this project,” Ms d’Ath said.

“Together we are creating a multi-levelled ‘shop local’ campaign ensuring both reach and longevity.”

Branding for the campaign was produced by Ground Creative.

Businesses seeking further involvement are urged to contact admin@mrcci.com.au.