City urges people to shop local with It’s Our Backyard campaign

Local businesses feature in a new campaign by the City of Greater Geelong council, highlighting the importance of supporting local people, businesses and economy during this challenging time.
The It’s Our Backyard campaign will feature local businesses over several months, ranging from butchers to florists located in suburbs across the municipality.
Through this initiative, the city hopes to encourage residents, if they can, to think of and support local businesses first when seeking essential services and supplies.
Many Geelong businesses have pivoted to contact-free home delivery, click and collect and other online initiatives to continue serving the community safely.
As the community experiences Stage 3 restrictions for the second time, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the local economy and many of the 19,000 businesses in the region.
To date the council has allocated $10.8 million towards COVID-19 support for the Greater Geelong community, with more than $5 million to supporting businesses.
It’s Our Backyard is part of the council’s COVID-19 Support Measures package and will continue as a key campaign for the region’s recovery.
When restrictions do ease in months to come, the campaign will expand to encourage residents to visit local venues, support local events and enjoy what our region has to offer.
To get involved with the It’s Our Backyard campaign, think local first when seeking supplies and essential services.
Use the hashtag #itsourbackyardgeelong on social media to find local businesses, to promote your own or to share how you’re supporting local. You can also follow the campaign on Facebook and Instagram.
“Financially, emotionally and physically, COVID-19 is taking a toll on Geelong businesses and our whole community, especially as we experience lockdown for the second time,” Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said.
“We can all play a role in helping Geelong get through this by supporting the businesses ‘in our backyard’. For those that can, we encourage you to support local first.
“Your support – no matter how large or small – makes a difference to the businesses in our region that are doing it tough. Let’s all support and think local wherever and however possible.
Don’t forget to also show your support for local businesses online by using the hashtag #itsourbackyardgeelong.
More information and additional resources can be found at itsourbackyardgeelong.com.au.
Please adhere to Stage 3 restrictions and wear a face covering when leaving your home.