The "Why Leave Town Gift Card" program is an expansion of last year's 'Shop Local' campaign, all aimed at encouraging locals to shop within the town rather than online or in other major cities.

The program is well underway, with businesses invited to participate in the rollout. Cards are currently being printed and will be available within the next 3-4 weeks.

Carrathool Shire Council's Mayor Cr. Darryl Jardine explained that "The Why Leave Town Gift Card Program is a great idea which will benefit our local businesses by encouraging people to shop locally."

"There are no additional fees for business to participate, and the Gift Card Program also can accommodate those traders who don't have EFTPOS facilities."

Economic Development Officer John Randall explained the concept further.

"It's about keeping retail expenditure in the shire ... How we're situated, a lot of our money is spent outside the shire so we introduced Why Leave Town to keep it here. You know, they can be gifts, you could use it as a raffle prize or a sporting prize," he said.

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"The problem with the big major chains is that they're all based out of the shire, so we're giving people an opportunity to get a Why Leave Town Carrathool gift card instead and they can spend it almost anywhere here."

Mr Randall added that they'd had responses from retailers and cafes as they'd expected, but had also been hearing from hairdressers and mechanics who were keen to be included.

Mayor Jardine finished by adding, "I encourage everyone, both customers and businesses. to get involved with Why Leave Town Gift Card Program... It's a positive win-win for the whole Carrathool Shire community."

The cards can currently be purchased online at www.whyleavetown.com and will be available at select shopfronts soon.

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