November 29, 2013
Gippslanders should put local produce on the table this Christmas by purchasing food from local suppliers such as Shaw’s Quality Meats in Stratford.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester today met with owner David Shaw to highlight the benefits of supporting local businesses.
Mr Chester has been running a ‘Putting Locals First’ campaign over the past five years, encouraging residents to shop locally and utilise local contractors and tradesmen.
He said the message was even more important at Christmas, the busiest time of the year for retailers.
“Not only is Shaw’s a local family business, they also have a policy of selling only Gippsland grown produce – so when you buy produce from them you’re supporting multiple local businesses,” Mr Chester said.
“Shopping locally builds a strong small business sector and helps to create jobs and opportunities for young people.
“Our region has a wide range of outstanding and innovative business owners and Christmas is the perfect time to give them a chance to impress.”
Mr Shaw said he was focused on supporting local producers because of their high quality products.
“We are fortunate to have great food producers in Gippsland,” Mr Shaw said.
“I’m keen to continue supporting them because of their high quality products and the flow-on benefits of supporting locals.”