Go Local First Derwent Valley

Go Local First Derwent Valley

Council are asking the community to embrace a local Go Local First campaign that puts local Derwent Valley businesses front and centre.

Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis says Going Local First will help get the economy back on its feet, keep more locals in jobs, and more money in the local community.

“From your local electrician, butcher, florist, market stall, café or pub, the Derwent Valley is lucky to have some excellent small businesses and small business owners. Aiming to shop local first wherever possible will support these businesses and keep your money in the valley, which is an important thing for the local economy.”

Local businesses have been invited to sign up to take part in this initiative and have their businesses showcased in local media, Council’s website and a dedicated Go Local First Derwent Valley Facebook page.

One local business owner who has jumped on board with the campaign is Stacey Aldous, owner of Freedom Health and Wellness in New Norfolk. With 13 years of operating locally under her belt, she says that being part of, and support from the local community, is everything to her business.

“Although people will drive from New Norfolk to Hobart to access services, people generally don’t travel from Hobart to New Norfolk, so we are completely reliant on the local community to survive.

“Over these years, Freedom has grown from just me providing health and wellbeing services to now having 8 amazing trainers, who are all local community members. Both my mum and dad had businesses in New Norfolk, so now it’s my turn to serve our community“, Stacey says.

Mayor Dracoulis says being part of the campaign isn’t just for retail businesses with a shop front.

“Whether you’re a local business that operates on High Street, a sole trader with an online business from home in Maydena, a local tradie in Magra or a service provider in Granton, we encourage you to sign up for the Go Local First campaign. Let Council provide some support for your business, and showcase what an amazing array of local talent we have.”

Businesses in the Derwent Valley Council area that want to get involved in this campaign are invited to complete the expression of interest form available at Council’s website.

Source: Derwent Valley Council

Image: Mayor Michelle Dracoulis and Stacey, with some of the gym members and staff of Freedom Health and Wellness Gym.