A new initiative designed to boost the local economy and encourage local shopping has seen the Goulburn Mulwaree Council, the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce and Regional Development Australia Southern Inland combine their talents to create an innovative new Goulburn gift card.

We’re all familiar with the stories of Australia Post’s increased parcel load at Christmas. The steady stream of packages, many from overseas, becomes a flood tide around this time of year. But at what cost to regional local businesses?