I used to be the kind who was interested in buying UK and USA imported goods, and most of them could be found in convenient stores. I was heavily seduced by the colourful packaging and interesting colours and flavours of food products that cannot be easily found in typical Australian businesses. I frequently bought products such as Peeps, Lucky Charms, Twizzlers, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. It wasn't later until during COVID-19, which caused temporary supply chain issues on importing products from overseas, when I started realising the importance of supporting local businesses.
Former state premier Gladys Berejiklian imposed a 5 kilometre limit radius during the lockdowns, where we could not surpass 5 kilometres away from where we reside unless it was for exempt circumstances like essential work and compassionate reasons. I initially felt really secluded and bored when the lockdown rules were introduced, since this was an anticlimactic experience after returning back from an exciting short vacation to Canada. Like everybody else, I eventually became used to buying groceries from local supermarkets in my district and accessing other facilities available in the area. I soon discovered the advantages of supporting local businesses, which also benefited myself at the same time because I didn't need to travel too far to access my necessities.
On the long run, I started viewing the bigger picture. Buying locally locally-grown fruits and vegetables can support local farmers, and lower your carbon footprint since imported food products come a long way from shipping, which emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Going to the local restaurant or bar on your nights out for a romantic dinner date or a catch-up with friends, encourages economic stability and growth for the precinct you live in, along with improving the vibe of the locality, hence drawing in more people from outer regions to experience what the area has got to offer for them like no other. Everyone is going to become jealous of where you live. Local restaurants and bars are also a perfect opportunity to support independent musicians and performers.
Give small businesses a chance to thrive and grow. Most of us are so used to doing our shopping and groceries at big companies that already make so much money everyday. Instead of buying your groceries at large supermarket chains, let's support a family-owned business in your neighbourhood. Support a local artist by buying their artworks or goods, and show your love for local musicians by attending their gigs! (Photographed by me - message me for permission if you want to feature the photo).
Newtown Town Hall and Pride Square located at the intersection of King Street and Enmore Road. Every Saturday features Newtown markets over at this spot where you can have the perfect opportunity to buy second-hand vinyl records, clothing, homewares and so much more. You can score some rare vinyls and other memorabilia while shopping in markets. You might be lucky to stumble across something you have always wanted for a very long time. (Photographed by me - message me for permission if you want to feature the photo).
Queer Pride crochet artwork: A great way to show love, respect and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. (Photographed by me - message me for permission if you want to feature the photo).
Newtown, New South Wales is a famous suburb where a lot of tourists flock to outside of Sydney CBD. It is well-known for its easy-going, progressive character, allowing everyone to express their inner creativeness and individual characters, and encourage both residents and visitors to respect others for who they are. Inner-West Sydney is gradually becoming the epitome of the long-term success of what supporting local businesses could bring in a community. Darlinghurst, New South Wales (a more ritzy version of Newtown) is also doing well with its pledge on being community-focused. Both suburbs show acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community and progressiveness, as well as being ideal locations for local businesses and independent artists to thrive in. Another community thriving suburb includes Glebe, New South Wales, which is located adjacent to Sydney University. Glebe is home to the famous Glebe Markets, which is on every Saturday at Glebe Public School.
Learn to love where you live. Give local businesses and artists a chance to thrive.
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