A campaign pushing Australians to ‘Go Local First’ has begun rolling out across the nation.

The campaign comes as the continuing stress of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns limits small businesses.

“The reality is small local businesses are less equipped to cope with lockdowns, and many of our small businesses are service-based, meaning they can’t shift to remote working,” says Go Local First spokesperson Mark McKenzie.

“These small local businesses need Australians to get out there, spending and shopping locally.”

Birdie from Heart and Whole Bulk Foods in Port Noarlunga says it is extremely important to support small and local.

“It wasn’t until we opened our own small business that we realised how truly important it is. That money that gets spent in our shop goes back into the community,” she says.

“We were lucky enough to stay open during the recent COVID-19 lockdown in SA. If it hadn’t been that way, we would have really struggled. 

“We did lose a lot of foot traffic but we were so grateful to be able to offer our community an alternative way to shopping - especially during a time like this when big supermarkets can be overwhelming and scary.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community and without them we lose the meaning of community itself.”

Outdoor, radio and digital advertising started this week, advising consumers to shop and support local businesses.

For more information on the Go Local First campaign visit the website.