As NSW embarks on the roadmap to easing COVID-19 restrictions, the Tweed community is being urged to play a part in helping local businesses through what remains challenging times.
The Why Leave Town campaign aims to keep money spent at participating Tweed businesses in the local economy, especially after what has been a tough period with lockdowns and restrictions.
Supported by Council, the Murwillumbah District Business Chamber and Tweed Tourism Company, the campaign was launched in Murwillumbah in July as a pilot program and has generated strong interest from businesses and residents.
Since its launch, the Why Leave Town campaign has seen more than 50 businesses and services sign up and more than 100 cards loaded up by locals with almost $8,000 ready to be injected into the local economy.
"There was great initial support from the community in loading up the cards and with businesses opening up again, now is the time to use your Why Leave Town cards and keep your money local," The Foundry Murwillumbah co-owner Deborah Catt said.
"Lockdowns are being lifted and restrictions are being eased but for many local businesses and services, the cost of having doors shut or trading limited during COVID has been devastating.
"At least through Why Leave Town, local businesses know there is money ready to be spent and I encourage anyone who has loaded up their card to go out and help our locals get back on their feet."
It is predicted that for every $100 spent locally, there is a local impact of $180.
Ms Catt said leading up to the summer holiday and Christmas period, there had never been a better time to get a Why Leave Town card and load it up at one of the 2 sites in town – The Foundry Murwillumbah and Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre at Murwillumbah.
Originally established in Narrabri in regional NSW in 2007, the Why Leave Town program has been recognised for its contribution to helping communities become more economically resilient and has been named a winner in the Resilient Australia Awards 2021 by Resilience NSW. The promotion is now through to the national finals.
