By Jessica Micallef
As stage three stay-at-home restrictions become the new normal again for metropolitan Macedon Ranges residents, shopping local has never been more important.
As the Macedon Ranges enters stage three lockdown, locals are still being encouraged to shop in their hometown.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas has launched a Shop Local, Spend Local, Enjoy Local campaign, to encourage Macedon Ranges residents to shop and spend their money at local businesses within the shire.
Ms Thomas is encouraging individuals to share their shop local experiences on social media, by snapping a photo of their favourite Macedon Ranges cafe, restaurant, shop or product and using the hashtag #ShopLocalMacedonRanges.
Ms Thomas said while everyone played an important role to help stop the spread of the virus, everyone also played a part in helping small businesses that may have been hit financially hard as a result of the pandemic.
“If you can’t find something in Gisborne, instead of going down to Sunbury or making the trip to Melton, locals are encouraged to take a drive to one of their surrounding Macedon Ranges towns to make their purchase, including Woodend, Romsey, Kyneton or Lancefield,” she said.
“I know that for many of our businesses, especially those that rely on visitors from Melbourne, have been hit hard by the coronavirus.
“Our local small businesses have also been there when we have needed them, whether it be through sponsorship of our sport clubs or giving a helping hand to our community groups.
“Now is a crucial time for us to return that support.”
