THE $500 Greater Hamilton dollars campaign is in full swing with the first of four winners announced Friday morning at Taylor Toyota Hamilton.

The campaign, supported in partnership with Hamilton Regional Business Association (HRBA), encourages the community to support businesses by spending locally and entering the draw to win $500 redeemable at any business within the Southern Grampians Shire.

Southern Grampians Shire Council mayor, Cr Bruach Colliton said the mid-year campaign offers a great incentive for locals to boost spending in the region.

“Just by shopping locally this June, shoppers have the opportunity to win one of four $500 Greater Hamilton dollars which will be spent back in the local community,” he said.

“We ran the campaign last year to help boost local business recovery after the challenges posed by the pandemic and were really impressed with the participation rate from not only local businesses but the community as well.

“Many industries, including our face-to-face retail outlets are still feeling the ripples of the last two years so the end of financial year campaign comes as a good reminder that when you shop locally, who you support really does matter.”

To enter, people need to spend $20 or more at any participating business in the Southern Grampians Shire between now and Monday June 27, and register their receipt by using the QR code at the participating business.

Winners are drawn at random to receive one of four amounts of $500 to be spent at a local business, with Joscelyn Mibus announced as this year’s first winner after entering the draw at Taylor Toyota Hamilton.