Northam has a new commodity in town with the aim of supporting local businesses and keeping money within the local area.
Northam dollars is the Northam Chamber of Commerce’s newest project.
Chamber of commerce chief enthusiasm office Esther Bliss said the idea isn’t original but it is new for the town.
“The first time I heard about it was two years ago when Collie was doing it,” she said.
“A lot of the regional chambers are doing it because they’re realise that it is a great tool.
“It’s such a simple and effective way of keeping money in town.”
The $10 and $20 vouchers can be bought from the Northam Commonwealth and Bendigo banks.
Ms Bliss said the main challenge of the initiative is getting the word out.
“People need to take responsibility of spreading the word,” she said.
“It’s not going anywhere.
“This is a really important issue for a lot of businesses.”
The launch of Northam dollars coincides with the launch of the Shire of Northam’s empty shops survey.
The Northam of Chamber is assisting by conducting the research into some of the issues identified by business owners that make business difficult.
Empty shops and rent in the CBD has been identified by the Shire as relevant to local businesses.
Ms Bliss said keeping money within Northam in an effort to encourage an support local business owners is a focus of Northam dollars.
“We don’t have a shoe shop in town,” she said.
“If you’re going down the hill to buy shoes you’re going to buy other things.
“It’s like if you’re going to Coles; you buy your meat and fruit and veg because it is a one stop shop like the hill is.”
So far there are around 25 businesses who have signed up to accept Northam dollars as a form of payment.
“The reception from the typical businsess who get it has been fantastic,” Ms Bliss said.
“They’re all jumping on board with it. The beauty of them is that they can be used in a variety of shops.
“It can be for your toys and retail goods but you can also go and have a cup of tea with them.”
For a full list of stores that accept Northam dollars see the Northam Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
