Canberrans are being encouraged to give back to their own community by shopping local this holiday season.
Minister for Business and Better Regulation, Tara Cheyne urged people to shop local and support Canberra businesses wherever possible when buying gifts for loved ones.
“It has been a tough couple of years for Canberra businesses and shopping locally not only provides you with unique gifts, but you know your money goes back into the community, stimulating homegrown businesses, boosting our economy and supporting local jobs,” Ms Cheyne said.
“Our region offers a range of unique, locally-made products and experiences both online and instore,” she said.
“You can support the local art scene by shopping for a one-of-a-kind gift made right here in Canberra.”
Ms Cheyne said artsACT had put together a webpage to help people find something special for everyone on their list and make it easy to shop from local art galleries and shops, or directly from an artist.
The Minister said for people who liked to make their own gifts, Tharwa Valley Forge offered classes where people could create sculptures, handmade knives or work with leather.
“The Canberra Glasswork’s creative ‘make your own’ workshops are on hold right now, but you can purchase high-quality handmade glass objects in their beautiful, newly refurbished, retail space,” she said.
“Memberships to our galleries and museums, or subscriptions to our local theatres, not only make great gifts that keep on giving throughout the coming year, but also keep Canberra’s cultural sector thriving and support local artists and performers.”
For people who were hard to buy for, Ms Cheyne recommended gift cards from local Canberra businesses for everything from spa treatments to martial arts classes and picnic vouchers.
She said homewares, locally made furniture and handmade toys were also available at some of the smaller suburban gift shops across Canberra.
The artsACT’s shop local list can be accessed at this PS News link.
