The popularity of the Why Leave Town pilot program in Murwillumbah has generated strong interest from businesses elsewhere in the Tweed.
The popularty of the pilot has prompted the expansion of a loyalty card program and a name change to #LoveTheTweed Buy Local with the program now taking in the entire Shire.
Council’s Senior Economic Development Officer Kym Kranen said it was encouraging to see businesses from Tweed Heads to the hinterland and along the Tweed Coast come on board with the program.
She said an additional 14 businesses had joined the more than 60 Murwillumbah-based businesses which are already participating in the program.
“Our buy local program is supporting Tweed businesses in their recovery from both the flood and the COVID-19 pandemic by keeping money local,” Ms Kranen said.
Murwillumbah-based community organisation, It Takes A Town, has been using the #Love The Tweed cards to support flood-affected residents in their recovery.
Carmen Stewart from It Takes A Town said the organisation had distributed thousands of dollars’ worth of cards, from $50 to $500 in value, to meet the identified needs of impacted residents.
“We love the cards as it means funds are going back into local businesses that were also impacted by the floods,” Ms Stewart said.
“As an organisation, it means we’re not seeking and processing invoices for payment.
“Instead, we’re able to demonstrate trust by simply handing over cards to an agreed value, and leaving the purchase up to the homeowner. Trust at a time like this is so important.”
The existing Why Leave Town cards are still valid in the program for up to three years at participating businesses.
