Shop local in the Shire this Christmas

GOLDEN Plains Shire officers are encouraging the community to prioritise shopping local this Christmas season.

There are a range of local gifts on offer including a winery gift card, an artwork from the Golden Spaces Exhibition or goods from the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market or Smythesdale Country Market.

Smythesdale Country Market volunteer manager Bill MacNeill said there will be a variety of new and second-hand gifts for sale.

“There’s a whole range of things like locally made craft, there’s scented candles and there’s also a lot of bric-a-brac,” he said.

“There are some interesting way-out wacky things that aren’t new, but the market really encourages second-hand and recycled goods.

“The CWA will be there so if you want something nice and sweet and savory for Christmas the CWA is your top bet.”

There will be two Smythesdale Country Markets before Christmas on Saturday 16 November and Saturday 21 December.

The event is volunteer run and Mr MacNeill said it provides a great opportunity to purchase handmade and environmentally friendly gifts.

“It’s local people just wanting to have a go and lots of people are doing their own thing and it’s really important to support those cottage industries,” he said.

“A lot of people are doing this as a side gig but it’s so important for people’s wellbeing.

“We want to encourage that at the market because the market is about community connection.”

More information can be found on the Smythesdale Country Market Facebook page.