The key to a vibrant CBD is having a reason for residents and visitors to visit on a regular basis.

The store owners, shop keepers and cafe owners in our CBD streets are the ones who are taking risks, investing their money, time and energy in providing the shops, services and community engagement that makes a CBD work.

Economists reason that $1 spent in a local store goes around the community 3-5 times before it is exhausted. $1 spent on global internet buying sites leaves the community immediately.

It is inevitable that if the local stores are not supported they cease to exist, and we end up with a bland CBD with empty shop windows.

Can the locals stock every item available? No. However, a conversation might mean that the item could be sourced with a reasonable delivery cycle and a fair price.

One of the encouraging aspects of the drought has been the way communities have supported each other.

From providing meals to those in need, feed for stock, carting water, to buying and donating local store gift vouchers for hairdressing, a massage, a meal, a vehicle service, a family game- things that may be  put aside in tough times but go a long way towards making a person feel better.

The ladies of the Country Women’s Association have embraced the ‘shop local’ approach in exactly this way.

They see the value in not only supporting their local primary producers but also generating cash flow for local businesses that are an integral part of the community.

The outcome of shopping local energises the community, provides employment, creates a vibrant and unique visitor experience and feeds local families.

Whatever your shopping needs: think local, have a conversation before hitting the ‘buy-now’ key.