Buy Local campaign delivers for Mount Morgan businesses

Published on 23 December 2024

Christmas has arrived early for seven prize winners and dozens of local businesses which participated in another successful Mount Morgan Buy Local campaign.

Thousands of dollars were injected into the Mount Morgan economy during this year’s campaign which was delivered in partnership between Mount Morgan Promotion and Development (MMPAD) Inc and Rockhampton Regional Council’s economic development arm, Advance Rockhampton.

30 businesses participated in this year’s campaign, which marked the beginning of a four-year sponsorship commitment from Council. Seven winners who spent $20 at a participating businesses were randomly drawn at the Mount Morgan Twilight Christmas Concert, sharing in more than $3,250 worth of prize vouchers to be spent in Mount Morgan.

Mayor Tony Williams said the campaign has helped kickstart an invigorating 12 months for Mount Morgan.

“Mount Morgan Buy Local has helped shine a light on the vast range of businesses operating within the Mount Morgan area and the important contribution they make for the Rockhampton Region,” Mayor Williams said.

“As work concludes on the Mount Morgan pipeline next year and operations at the Heritage Minerals mine site ramp up, Advance Rockhampton will continue its work to deliver long-term economic results for the community by establishing employment pathways, highlighting opportunities for business growth and supporting those already here.”

Division 5 Councillor Cherie Rutherford said Mount Morgan Buy Local has become an important festive tradition for the Region.

“This year has seen thousands of dollars injected into Mount Morgan in the leadup to Christmas across industries including health, agriculture, tourism, retail, essential services, and construction.

“Council, through Advance Rockhampton, gladly supports Mount Morgan Buy Local and I congratulate MMPAD and local businesses for another successful Buy Local campaign,” Cr Rutherford said.

MMPAD President, John Steinberger, said this year saw an increase in participation from businesses.

“Our community clearly appreciates the opportunities Mount Morgan Buy Local provides, with almost a third of businesses in the area now participating,” Mr Steinberger said.

“MMPAD and Advance Rockhampton each contributed $500 as a starting point for our prize pool. Not only did local businesses offer support by participating, many contributed financially to bring the total prize pool to $3,255.

“MMPAD is grateful for the support from Mount Morgan businesses, and Council through Advance Rockhampton for their pledge to fund the Buy Local campaign until 2027.

“We really enjoyed coordinating the event, sharing the prizes with the community, and taking in the excitement and joy of the giveaway at the Twilight Christmas Concert.”

Council’s Economic Development Manager, Wade Clark, said Advance Rockhampton will be delivering several programs and engagements in Mount Morgan next year.

“2025 will see the return of the Mount Morgan Jobs Expo, our engagements with Gangalu and Heritage Minerals continue, and our team work to deliver programs to help deliver for Mount Morgan’s economy,” Mr Clark said.

Council, through Advance Rockhampton, provided $500 in sponsorship for this year’s Mount Morgan Buy Local campaign, along with in-kind promotional support.