Opinion & Perspectives
24 October, 2026
This Christmas, give Stawell a gift too
By Llewelyn Clark, President of StawellBiz
Christmas is approaching, and with it comes the familiar rush of shopping lists, gift ideas, family gatherings and preparations for the festive season.
But before we start filling our online shopping carts or planning a trip to a larger shopping centre, I’d like to ask everyone in Stawell to consider one simple question. What would our town look like if we stopped supporting our local businesses?
Imagine walking down Main Street and seeing more empty shopfronts. Imagine having fewer places to buy a birthday present, enjoy a coffee, purchase clothing or find that last-minute Christmas gift. Imagine losing the personal service and familiar faces that make shopping in a regional town so special.
It’s not a particularly cheerful Christmas thought, but it’s one worth considering.
Every local business contributes something to Stawell beyond the products or services it sells. They employ local people, support sporting clubs, donate to school fundraisers, sponsor community events and contribute to the character of our town. The people behind these businesses are our neighbours, friends and families. Their success is closely connected to the success of Stawell itself. And Christmas is one of the most important trading periods of the year.
For many retailers, the weeks leading up to Christmas help determine how confidently they can enter the new year. Every purchase matters, whether it’s a small gift, a family Christmas present or a voucher for someone special.
Of course, shopping habits have changed. Online shopping offers convenience, and larger centres offer variety. Local businesses understand that, and they continue working hard to provide quality products, competitive prices and the personal service that sets regional shopping apart.
But supporting local doesn’t mean every purchase must be made in Stawell. It simply means giving our local businesses the opportunity to earn your business before looking elsewhere. That is why Stawell Biz is once again running our Christmas Shopping Passport promotion, launching in early November. It is a practical way to thank people for choosing local businesses and to add a little excitement to Christmas shopping. With each eligible purchase, shoppers will receive stickers on their passport according to how much they spend. There is no limit to how many passports they can complete and enter, so every return visit offers another opportunity. The winning passports will be drawn at the Stawell Community Carols on Friday, 11 December. The real reward, though, reaches beyond the draw. Each purchase helps a local business employ staff, pay suppliers and keep our town centre lively. And every passport is a reminder of how much choice we have close to home.
So, this Christmas, as we think about the gifts we’ll give to family and friends, perhaps we can give something back to Stawell as well.
Because the greatest gift we can give our town is a future filled with thriving local businesses.
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