A lifeline has been thrown to small regional businesses who may be struggling as a result of the ongoing drought and COVID-19 pandemic.
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Thanks to the NSW Government's Buy Regional initiative, online shoppers can help support regional businesses during this health crisis.
Not only is it a great way to give back to communities doing it tough but has come at the perfect time with Mother's Day right around the corner.
Buy Regional features more than 440 businesses with thousands of present ideas for mum.
One of the businesses featured on the website is jewellery maker Linda George, from White Cliffs. Ms George cuts, polishes and sets opals for customers through her business Linda George Jewellery.
While she is currently in Victoria, during her time at White Cliffs, Ms George would operate tours, showing people how she lives and works underground in her studio.
Ms George said Buy regional was a great initiative to be a part of as it gives her a broader customer base.Through her commission work she creates custom designs for clients.
"A lot of people who wouldn't normally be able to find me can now and even if they don't buy something I've got a lot of information on my website about opals so they may learn something new, which is good," she said.
As COVID-19 has forced the closure of tours and markets, Ms George said she has very few ways of being able to currently earn a living.
"So something like this is just so fantastic for getting to word out there and hopefully leading to sales to keep me going," she explained.
A Department of Regional NSW spokesperson said Buy Regional was a fantastic opportunity for shoppers to discover last minute Mother's Day gifts.
"While Sydneysiders are quite rightly staying away from regional NSW to slow the spread of COVID-19, Buy Regional gives people another avenue to spend money with regional retailers, and send money back into regional economies....," the spokesperson said.
"Communities across regional NSW are struggling right now and while the NSW Government has rolled out strong measures to support the vulnerable and keep economies afloat, spending from city shoppers can have a huge impact in regional areas."
More than 500,000 online shoppers have already visited Buy Regional since it was launched just before Christmas last year. Visit www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional
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Taylor Jurd
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
