New shop local card launched

OCEAN Grove shoppers will be encouraged to give new local gift cards as Christmas gifts to support local businesses and encourage friends and family to do the same.

The ‘Grove Money’ gift cards can also be used at participating businesses such as take away food shops and services that remain open during restrictions, providing a much-needed boost as lockdown extends.

The Ocean Grove Business Association has used a $10,000 Business Chambers and Traders Groups grant to fund the gift card initiative and invest in an upgrade of its website to better support members.

Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville officially launched the association’s new closed-loop gift card program last week via an online forum after COVID-19 restrictions had delayed an in-person launch.

“Our local business areas have felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why we have invested more than $1 billion through our Business Resilience Package to keep businesses and workers on their feet,” Ms Neville said.

“We love seeing communities come up with innovative ways to keep their local businesses moving and are proud that our grants are setting businesses up for success now and into the future.”

The OGBA hopes the card system will be a long-term, sustainable way to support Ocean Grove businesses, even beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

OGBA president Ty Symons said the state government grant had “been absolutely outstanding as it has given us the ability to make a long-term investment in the future success of our local businesses”.

“We wanted a Buy Local campaign that is sustainable and can operate long-term for Ocean Grove,” he said.

“The new gift cards will mean our community can support businesses in the area in a really direct way, and enjoy the best that Ocean Grove has to offer.”

Businesses such as the Driftwood Cafe, Ocean Grove Cellars, OG Bar and the Piping Hot Chicken Shop are among the local traders that have already signed up to the Ocean Grove gift card program, which is available to all OGBA members.

Businesses can received an initial 10 gift cards, plus an activation card for their eftpos machine, and shoppers can buy and redeem at any participating business.

The Business Chambers and Traders Groups Grant program provided grants of $10,000, $20,000 or $50,000 to business chambers and trader groups across Victoria to support their local business community’s recovery.