I'M urging people in the Bathurst electorate to "Buy Regional" when doing their Christmas shopping this year to support regional businesses struggling through the worst drought in recorded history.
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I'm also urging local retailers to list their details on the NSW Government's Buy Regional hub, which is connecting city shoppers with rural small businesses in the lead-up to the Christmas present-buying rush.
The Buy Regional campaign is an online hub that showcases regional shops and sellers in one place, making it easy for shoppers to find the perfect Christmas gift and support regional NSW at the same time.
Sydneysiders are being encouraged to visit www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional and browse six categories - wine, fashion, food, gifts for kids, art and design and Christmas hampers - to find gifts for their friends and family.
Regional businesses can participate in the Buy Regional hub and social media network for free, so people wanting to help can give retailers in drought-stricken areas the present they want most this Christmas - customers.
The Buy Regional hub includes information to help local businesses create an online presence if they choose to, but there's no reason why you can't list your details and take orders over the phone or via email.
Sydneysiders are also being encouraged to buy meat, produce and hampers from regional NSW for festive get-togethers and Christmas Day feasts.
We're telling Sydneysiders to favour the flavour of regional NSW and ask their butchers and greengrocers for meat, poultry and produce provided by NSW farmers or to check out the Buy Regional hub for honey, preserves, veg, meat or even fully stocked hampers, all sourced locally.
I encourage all people in the Bathurst electorate to log on to the Buy Regional hub now and see what you can find.
The Buy Regional for Christmas hub is at www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional.
SPORTS GRANT
THERE are many sporting clubs in the Bathurst electorate that can take advantage of the latest round of the NSW Government's Local Sports Grant Program and it's a great opportunity to increase participation in sport.
A boost to grassroots sports development or upgrades to local sporting facilities are just some of the projects eligible for funding.
This is a great chance for the electorate to share in $85,000 in grants. Grants are available from $250 to $10,000.
The Local Sports Grant Program closes on November 25.
Visit sport.nsw.gov.au/localsport or phone 13 13 02.
