Loving LOCAL

Is there anything sweeter than farm-gate honey or more delicious than a bottle of wine purchased at a cosy cellar door? Is there anything more reassuring than popping in to the local chemist, who knows the family, for a bit of medical advice or chatting about new releases at your neighbourhood bookstore?

As retailers brace for tough times, a new campaign called Go Local First is encouraging Australians to explore the provedores and shops close to home.

Small businesses – whether that’s a stall at the local farmers’ market or your corner hardware store – account for one-third of Australia’s economic output and employ roughly six million people. Keeping those businesses alive in precarious times like these is