Griffith Lockdown Fun was created on Facebook only days ago but has amassed almost 3,000 members with the number only rising.

Admin of the Facebook group, and owner of OffBeat Beauty and Body Piercing, Nicole Ruberto was inspired by the efforts of Chloe Deacon who created a similar page for the Hay community to support local businesses during lockdown.

"I saw that the Hay community started a Facebook group to support local businesses and thought it would be great to get a similar initiative started here in Griffith," Mrs Ruberto said.

"It's very easy to take part, no real strings attached a just a bit of fun."

The group works on a bidding system where business owners impacted by lockdown are able to post items or vouchers for sale.

From there, community members can purchase tickets to potentially 'win' the item with all money made from tickets going directly to the business.

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"If a business posts a $200 voucher they can sell 20 tickets for $10 each," Mrs Ruberto said.

"This way they get the full cost of the item posted back, plus one lucky bidder gets a product or voucher at a discounted rate.

Even if you don't win anything, you are still putting money in to support a small business that is part of your community, so you are still benefitting in some way even if you don't actually win the prize at the end."

And whilst the group is something truly positive to come out of the community during this challenging time, it may just exist during lockdown for now.

"It may just be a lockdown thing but if the community is really onboard and want to keep the group going we will," Mrs Ruberto said.

"We really just want to encourage people to get online and support local."

Caitlyn Patten, Teleaha Krause and Katelyn Darlow are all also admins on the page and were instrumental in starting it up in the Griffith community.

Business and small business owners and encouraged to contact Nicole on Facebook before posting goods to ensure the items are relevant to the group, and will be well received.

If you would like to join 'Griffith Lockdown Fun' on Facebook please click here.

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