Gift Card Initiative a Boost for Local Economy

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.

The cards called, Shop 2580 gift cards, will be rolled out in the coming months, with businesses being encouraged to register their interest now for the program. Shop 2580 gift cards will be able to be purchased at a number of stores in the City.

Amounts from $10 to $1,000 can be loaded on to the card and that money can then be spent at EFTPOS terminals at 90 stores in the City, with this number to be expanded if demand from businesses is high.

Mayor Bob Kirk said he hopes the program entices people to shop locally more often.

“As a Council we have been looking for ways in which to support local businesses, and we felt that the Shop 2580 gift cards would be a brilliant program to combine with other organisations on to roll out.”

“We hope that instead of buying a gift for your family or friends online, you may instead choose to buy a Shop 2580 card that will support local businesses. It’s a great way for big businesses in the region to also support others – I hope you may choose to reward employees with a Shop 2580 gift card in future!”

Darrell Weekes, President of the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce, said “Usually gift cards are purchased as presents, staff bonuses or incentives, but can only be redeemed at one big corporate store; the Shop 2580 card will allow the recipient to spend the money at 90+ stores around Goulburn”.

At this stage Council, the Chamber and RDASI are targeting a launch date for the program in April 2021.

Businesses who are members of the Chamber of Commerce are able to sign up for free, while businesses who aren’t members but would still like to be involved are welcome and are able to join for just $120.

First Published: 2 March 2021