As December rolls in, the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ODCCI) is ready to embrace the season of giving, joy and local pride.
After months of preparation, the chamber has ensured the festive spirit is alive and well throughout the community.
This year, ODCCI president Samantha Reynolds is encouraging locals to make this Christmas one to remember by supporting local businesses.
“We know times are tough, and many are grappling with the rising cost of living, but we’re urging locals to shop local this festive season,” Ms Reynolds said.
“It’s not always possible, but we’re asking shoppers to consider looking locally first before heading out of town.
“Our local businesses are the backbone of our community, and without them, we face losing jobs, services, and the vital support they provide to our charities, sporting clubs, and community groups.”
For those looking for a versatile gift option, ODCCI’s Gift Cards are a fantastic choice.
These Eftpos-style cards are redeemable at approximately 30 businesses across Orbost and Marlo, allowing recipients to support multiple local stores.
Gift cards can be purchased at the Snowy River Mail (Eftpos only), Andrews Land and Surf (cash, cheque, or Eftpos), or directly through the chamber secretary.
They can be loaded with any amount between $10 and $1000.
To find participating stores or check card balances, visit the chamber’s updated website.
Volunteers have already decorated the main street with festive lights and ornaments.
This week, the iconic Christmas tree on Tarra Street will also be dressed, creating a heartwarming centrepiece for the community to enjoy with the support of local business owners, Darren Downey and Tim Grenfell who donate their services for the cause.
Starting from Friday, December 6, locals have the chance to win a $100 ODCCI voucher as part of the Lucky Shopper campaign where all shoppers who spend over $20 in participating businesses will go into the draw to win.
Three draws occur weekly, with the remaining two being drawn on December 13 and 20 with winners notified via phone.
The main prize, of a $500 ODCCI voucher from the accumulated entries over December will be drawn at the Orbost Christmas Eve Festival.
Other upcoming holiday events include:
– Santa photos: Santa will be at Andrews Land and Surf from 9.30-11am on Saturday for traditional Christmas photos. Straight after, he’ll visit The Vet and Co for Santa Pet Pawtraits, with all proceeds from the animal shoots supporting the Orbost Christmas Eve Festival.
– Christmas lights map: People wishing to be eligible for prizes are urged to have their house decorated between December 4 and 11 to allow for the address to be added to the map which will appear in the December 18 and 24 editions of the newspaper.
Members of the public can cast their vote can be done via the newspaper coupon and dropping it into the Snowy River Mail letter box flap or the QR code which can be found on the map.
SANTA LETTERS
For the first time, local children can write to Santa and receive a personal reply.
A red postal box was donated from the closure of Orbost Primary School and has been lovingly restored by Sarah and Tony Clay who have repurposed it into Orbost’s very own Santa’s letter box.
A letter template can be collected from inside Andrew’s Land and Surf and placed in the postal box out the front until Saturday, December 14.
Ensure the child’s full name and address are included for Santa’s helpers to deliver the magic.
The chamber’s efforts remind us that Christmas is about community and connection.
By shopping local and participating in these festive activities, we can all play a part in making Orbost a little brighter this holiday season and create lifelong memories for the young and young at heart.
