Council
3 July, 2026
New gift card scheme launched
A SPECIAL new gift card has been launched to encourage shoppers to spend locally, with businesses encouraged to sign up for the scheme.
With only 180 sleeps until Christmas, Corangamite Shire shoppers will be able to let their loved ones choose the exact gift they want thanks to the Why Leave Town gift card.
Why Leave Town is an initiative which began in 2007 and aims to encourage shopping within the local community through only being redeemable at eligible stores within the area.
Council is signing up businesses for the program which will give visitors and locals an easy way to shop locally and support local businesses and jobs.
“We’d love to have your business involved,” Corangamite Shire Council mayor Cr Kate Makin said.
“Encouraging people to shop locally supports our economy and keeps jobs in our community by retaining money in the shire.
“The pre-paid gift cards will be spendable at participating businesses in the shire.
“When a customer buys a Why Leave Town gift card, they will be supporting the businesses that are owned by, and employ, our friends and neighbours.
“Every dollar you spend goes around four times before it disappears into expenses.”
Acting manager economy and prosperity Bec Reedman said both physical and digital gift cards will be available.
“The program is open to locally owned and operated businesses, including franchises,” she said.
“It’s free to register and sign-up takes less than three minutes at whyleavetown.com/Corangamite.
“If you’d like our team to pop in and walk you through the process, let us know.
“We’re more than happy to visit.”
For questions or support contact ecodev@corangamite.vic.gov.au or call 5593 7100.