As domestic travellers return to the local region, they are expected to inject $1.3 billion to the Central NSW economy.

And, with a majority 35 per cent of travellers visiting friends and relatives, it is local hosts who will play a vital role in this transaction.

Accommodation may be hosted but they will spend more in cafes, restaurants, attractions, shops, gifts and on local produce.

“Small businesses reinvest in the local economy at a higher rate than chains do, so I’m encouraging everyone to ‘love local’ and get out and spend wisely in our community,” Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf OAM, explained.

“My top tips for showing the love to our local businesses are to buy some great meats from our local butchers (they always have the best) and take the kids for a BBQ at one of our beautiful parks at Lake Cargelligo or Gum Bend Lake. Grab some picnic goodies from the bakeries or cafes and climb to the top of Mount Tilga for a wonderful 360 degree view of the area. Or get your photo taken at the Cairn in the very centre of NSW.

“You can also visit our Wiradjuri Centre’s art gallery and take the grand-children to the Utes in the Paddock.”

An American Express Shop Small report in 2019 measured the ‘Boomerang Dollar’ which is the value of consumer spending within small businesses that flows back into the local community.

Of each dollar spent with small businesses, 45 cents are reinvested back into the local community. The money spent flows back into the salaries of residents, payments to local suppliers, charities, schools and sponsorships.

The other positive effects of supporting local businesses are the health benefits of local fresh seasonal produce, the environmental impact of low travel miles, the social aspect of getting to know the people behind the product, and maintaining the region’s unique character and pride.

A new $30,000 tourism campaign ‘We want you back’ will be rolled out in June, a partnership between 10 local government areas, Orange360 and Central NSW Joint Organisation. It features Lachlan, Orange, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Bathurst, Oberon, Forbes, Weddin and Parkes.

The campaign will feature 27 local tourism personalities sharing their stories on what they love about their region with tips on things to see, do and taste.

By Melissa Blewitt.