Global credit card giant Visa has launched a new campaign reminding Australians where they shop can have a positive impact on local communities, and it features a Dubbo family-owned business.
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Saddler & Co stars in the first of a series of commercials for #WhereYouShopMatters that will air on national television from Thursday.
The campaign from the global payments technology company is an initiative to support Australian business.
It will officially start in early 2020, but Visa reports it accelerated the launch in order to back Buy from the Bush, the social media phenomenon started by Grace Brennan as a way to promote businesses located in drought-hit areas.
"Small businesses provide employment to millions of Australians and are the backbone of the Australian economy," Visa group country manager for Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Julian Potter said.
"We believe in using the power of Visa's network as a force for good, which is
why we're excited to launch #WhereYouShopMatters with a campaign in support of Buy from the Bush.
"Visa's purpose is to enable individuals, businesses and economies to thrive, and we're delighted to be raising the profile of and supporting small businesses across Australia.
"With our global network and 3.4 billion cardholders, we see a role for Visa to help small business owners leverage opportunities to grow their businesses and connect with customers beyond their local communities."
From Tuesday, Visa and Buy from the Bush advertising started appearing in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane city centres encouraging shoppers to purchase their Christmas gifts from regional small businesses.
The campaign coincides with the launch of the Buy From The Bush online portal,
connecting shoppers directly with businesses they might not otherwise know about.
It's another coup for Buy from the Bush, which started as a social media post by Mrs Brennan of the Warren district on October 16 and has gone on to attract more than 150,000 followers on Facebook.
The power of corporate networks and community networks coming together for change is evidenced through a campaign like this.
- Buy from the Bush founder Grace Brennan
"I am thrilled to have Visa's support behind the Buy From The Bush campaign to extend the reach of our message," Mrs Brennan said.
"It's wonderful to see Visa backing beautiful and innovative businesses in rural communities facing drought.
"The power of corporate networks and community networks coming together for change is evidenced through a campaign like this."
Visa's #WhereYouShopMatters first launched in the United Kingdom in 2018 to support British high street merchants.
To date, the UK program has included campaigns highlighting more than
150 businesses, a competition for business owners to win a prime time television advertisement spot, and sponsorship of local business awards.
Saddler & Co is a family-owned leather goods company founded by Bede and Jemima Aldridge selling handmade bags, accessories and saddlery.
The commercial was filmed at its Sterling Street workshop.