Mayor’s Message - Friday 9 August 2024

It’s more important than ever to support our local businesses. With cost of living impacting us all, for our local cafe, shops and trades to continue to exist we need to spend local when we can.  

Our businesses are the heartbeat of our community and create connections for members of Ballarat whilst getting the goods and services we want and need.

Supporting local businesses adds value to our community, enhancing the city’s economic stability, strengthening community ties and ultimately raising confidence.  

We should celebrate and express gratitude to our local businesses, by shopping locally and supporting the local hospitality industry, retail, trades and more.

Why not publicly rate a local business you love, to let others know why it’s so good and help that business with some free marketing.  

Or suggest to a friend that tradie that’s always been your go-to. You could share your favourite take-away venue or even recommend a place that’s your one-stop-shop.  

Did you know, that when $100 is spent in a local Ballarat business, $68.56 remains in the Ballarat economy.

Shopping online, only $3.90 of that $100 remains local. And in a branch or business in Ballarat, but owned elsewhere, $48.28 remains in the Ballarat economy.  

It’s important to remember these figures when weighing up where to make your purchases.  

There is so much variety and quality in Ballarat, why not get it now from a local business rather than wait for delivery!  

Let’s throw our support behind these hard-working small businesses, that contribute so much to our economy, but also the social fabric of Ballarat.

- Mayor Cr Des Hudson