Following the RBA interest rate hike, the Federal Member for Hinkler David Batt MP has teamed up with the Bundaberg Chamber of Commerce and local small businesses to spread the word about the importance of ‘Local First.’
Mr Batt’s annual ‘Local First’ initiative celebrates all that’s homegrown in Hinkler.
“Times are tough for local businesses and their customers. Labor has driven government spending to a 40 year high outside the pandemic. Interest rates have now risen to the highest level since 2008,” Mr Batt said.
“Small businesses are facing a trifecta of higher rates, higher prices and higher pain under Labor.
The latest ASIC data shows roughly 46 businesses entering insolvency every day. That is more than 5,500 businesses in just four months.
Small businesses cannot keep absorbing higher costs. They cannot endlessly increase prices without losing customers, and they cannot keep cutting expenses without putting their businesses and employees at risk,” Mr Batt explained.
“Local First is about supporting local jobs, promoting family businesses, and putting our Hinkler community first. Across Hinkler I invite businesses to register and show support to help promote local first.”
Newly elected President of Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce, Brooke Fossey said her main message is: “Before you click “buy now”, have a look locally first.”
“When you spend with a local business, that money doesn’t just stop at the till. Local businesses employ local people, use other local suppliers, sponsor our sporting clubs and community groups,” Ms Fossey said.
Small businesses feel changes in consumer spending very quickly and unlike a large national or international business, the person behind that local business is often someone you know.
That’s why local support matters so much. Every local purchase might feel small on its own, but collectively those decisions make a real difference to our regional economy.”
Owner of Oodies Café in North Bundaberg, Suzy Evans said Local First starts with business owners.
“We have a responsibility to give people a reason to support us. We cannot simply expect loyalty because we are local. That support is something we need to earn. So much of that comes down to the relationships we build with our customers. It’s about mutual respect, trust and creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to tell us what we are doing well, but also where we could do better,” Ms Evans explains.
“Small businesses give our towns personality. They can become places where people connect, conversations happen and relationships are built. When we get that right, we create something that goes well beyond the products or services we sell.”
Mr Batt said Hinkler businesses are urging you to think local first.
“Because when we choose local businesses, we’re backing local jobs, local families and ultimately our whole community.”
Local First 2026 runs until December 18.
DINE local first; SHOP local first; BUY local first; DRINK local first; VISIT local first;EAT local first and CHOOSE local first.
Businesses can register and support Local First by signing up at Local First – David Batt MP