With Christmas only weeks away, Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is encouraging residents to back small business and go local first.

“A massive 98.4 percent of all businesses in Australia are small businesses and they employ around 6 million Australians,” Mr Pitt said.

“Small businesses are run by locals, which means they’re more invested in their local communities. They invest in community sport, local charities, and school fairs – many of which would struggle without the generous support of their local small businesses.

“When people spend locally, most of that money stays in the local community.

“The festive season is a crucial trading period for these businesses, and we can show our support for them by shopping local.

“To help promote local businesses right across the Hinkler electorate I’m going to be running a 12 Days of Christmas promotion, featuring possible gift ideas.

“We have such a wide variety of stores and businesses offering great gifts for family and friends and you never know, maybe this will help someone find that perfect gift or help the last-minute shoppers?

“And let’s not forget that being a tourist in your own backyard will also inject money and confidence into the local economy.

“There are plenty of places to explore right here in Hinkler, so get out there and see what’s on offer. And tell as many people as possible about it so they want to come and visit.”

Businesses in the Hinkler electorate wanting to take part in the 12 Days of Christmas gift idea promotion need to email keith.pitt.mp@aph.gov.au:

• a photo of either a product they sell or a gift voucher for a service they offer
• a brief description of the item
• the business page to be tagged on Facebook/Instagram.

Any questions please contact the Bundaberg electorate office on 4152 0744.