The Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ODCCI) closed out December with a heartwarming reflection of community spirit, bolstered by their efforts to support local businesses during the festive season.
Throughout the month, the chamber’s initiatives played a crucial role in not only spreading holiday cheer but also boosting the local economy – nearly $13,000 worth of chamber gift cards were sold, circulating much-needed funds back into the district who have struggled through this year through the cost of living crisis.
As December began, the chamber was already hard at work organising events that would bring the community together.
Encouraging locals to shop local was at the heart of their message.
ODCCI president, Samantha Reynolds noted that while times were tough for many, supporting local businesses was more important than ever, as it directly impacted jobs, services and the ability of businesses to support community causes.
The chamber’s gift card program became a key vehicle for this local initiative.
These Eftpos-style gift cards, redeemable at more than 30 businesses across Orbost and Marlo, quickly became a popular choice for Christmas presents.
By December, nearly $13,000 worth of these cards had been sold, injecting a significant amount of money into the local economy.
The cards could be purchased at various locations including the Snowy River Mail and Andrews Land and Surf, and they were loaded with any amount between $10 and $1000.
This initiative made it easier than ever for people to shop locally, giving recipients the freedom to support multiple stores across the district.
Throughout the month, the chamber kept the festive spirit alive with a variety of events.
Volunteers had decked the streets with festive lights as well as decorations and the iconic Christmas tree on Tarra Street was set up as a heartwarming community centrepiece.
The Lucky Shopper competition, which ran weekly, further incentivised local spending, offering $100 gift vouchers to lucky winners.
By the time the grand draw was held on Christmas Eve, the momentum was palpable, with the main prize – a $500 ODCCI voucher – creating much excitement among residents.
A particularly charming new feature of this year’s holiday festivities was the opportunity for children to write letters to Santa.
Orbost Primary School’s red letterbox, lovingly restored by local residents Sarah and Tony Clay, became a symbol of the season’s magic.
Local children eagerly wrote to Santa, receiving personal replies that brought joy to families across the district.
The chamber also hosted several exciting activities to round out the festive season, such as the Orbost Christmas Eve Festival alongside the Rotary Club of Orbost.
The event brought locals together on Nicholson Street for a vibrant evening filled with food stalls, market vendors and children’s activities.
The atmosphere was further heightened by the Minute to Win It Business Challenge where Orbost FoodWorks owner, Travis Price won and the traditional visit from Santa, who arrived on the back of the SES truck, much to the delight of children.
To add even more excitement, the festival featured the announcement of the winners of the Christmas Lights competition, with many residents showing their holiday spirit by decorating their homes.
Those who participated in the competition were not only contributing to the district’s festive charm but also had the chance to win great prizes, thanks to the support of the chamber.
As the night concluded with Carols by Candlelight and a fireworks display at Forest Park, it was clear the chamber’s efforts throughout December had made a tangible impact on the community.
By driving nearly $13,000 back into local businesses through the gift card program and orchestrating a series of engaging events, the ODCCI ensured this Christmas season would be one to remember.
