Home » Boost the local economy this Christmas

Boost the local economy this Christmas

Christmas shopping in Orange just became a lot easier with the launch of the new Shop Orange gift-card, an initiative of Orange City Council.

The cards can be used at over 30 participating businesses and buyers can choose the amount to be loaded onto the card.

Council’s Employment and Economic Development Committee chair, Councillor Jeff Whitton, is expecting the new scheme to be a major shot-in-the-arm for local businesses.

“The retail sector in Orange has a fantastic range of shopping options, and these gift-cards will make it even simpler to spend money in Orange.

“Every time money is spent in a local store, some of that cash goes back into staff wages and local business owners. Some of that money is then spent locally again.”

Country Rose business owner Sheryl Lewis is pleased to be a part of the new scheme.

“Often the work involved in setting up a gift-card system in the past has limited them to chain stores. Now all the work has been done and provided at no charge by the Council.

“Because the gift card will work through our store’s EFTPOS system, the monthly statistics that are generated will also deliver more information that will let me run my business better.”

Digital Editions


  • Big attraction for tiny town

    Big attraction for tiny town

    Dozens of tourists have created history as the first passengers in decades to arrive in the tiny southern Queensland town of Thallon by rail. Excited…

More News

  • Dandycon set to return

    Dandycon set to return

    Dandy Con, Greater Dandenong’s much loved comic and pop culture festival, returns on Saturday 11 April 2026 between 11am–4pm, bigger than ever. This free, all ages event fills Dandenong Library,…

  • A creative future for Kingston

    A creative future for Kingston

    The community has been invited to help shape Kingston’s creative and cultural future. Kingston residents are being invited to help finalise the city’s cultural roadmap, with the Draft Creative and…

  • Tweed residents gunking up wastewater

    Tweed residents gunking up wastewater

    Tweed Shire Council is urging residents to rethink what they flush down the toilet and pour down the drain, after revealing that crews remove around 156 tonnes of rubbish and…

  • In memory of Chris Quilkey

    In memory of Chris Quilkey

    It was with great sadness that we learned that former Blacktown City Deputy Mayor and Councillor Chris Quilkey has passed away. First and foremost, our thoughts are with Chris’s family,…

  • Unit demolished as Ipswich flood recovery continues

    Unit demolished as Ipswich flood recovery continues

    Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has welcomed the demolition of Mihi Grove, a flood-hit 42-unit complex in Brassall purchased as part of the Queensland and Australian Government’s Resilient Homes Fund Voluntary…

  • Fraser adopts tree

    Fraser adopts tree

    The Fraser Coast now has an official tree, with Council today adopting the Kauri Pine as a symbol of the region’s culture, history and natural environment. Fraser Coast Mayor George…

  • Council take on much-loved garden

    Council take on much-loved garden

    Glenorchy City Council will take on the administration of the Chigwell Community Garden, securing the future of the much-loved community space and supporting continued shared use by local groups. Glenorchy…

  • Fuel prices hurt country LGAs

    Fuel prices hurt country LGAs

    The fuel crisis is hitting remote, rural and regional communities hard, with farmers, freight carriers, tourism operators and local government all expressing concerns about the lack of supply and the…

  • Navigating grants

    Navigating grants

    How Administrative Complexity Is Eroding One of Local Government’s Most Powerful Tools Local government grants exist to create impact in communities. Yet across the sector, that purpose is increasingly being…

  • Looking to the future

    Looking to the future

    Flinders Lane will be abuzz for two days this month with Townsville Youth Council – supported by Townsville City Council – set to deliver a free festival focused on the…