Congratulations to our Local heroes

Phillip Island’s Local Clothing has been named one of the 100 winners in the Australia Post Local Business Hero program.

Australia Post said the winners were selected from over 4000 entries, and will each receive a package of business support, products and services to bolster existing eCommerce capabilities.

Local Clothing was established in November 2019 by graphic designer Mark and his wife Pharrah, as a way to give back to the community.

They began by selling t-shirts and each month partnered with a different community group, with 10 per cent of the sales going to the chosen group.

Mark and Pharrah said the support from the community has been incredible.

“They have welcomed us with open arms. We get more community support every day.

“The best part from starting this side passion project has been all the amazing people we have met and the connections we have made throughout the years,” they said.

“When we started out we intended to just sell some tees but our product range has grown so much to include hoodies, trackies, hats, poncho towels, beanies, keyrings and stubby holders.

“We want to thank everyone for supporting us.

“Our main drive is to get that cheque as big as possible at the end of the month for the local groups that need the funds.”

To date, Local Clothing has donated over $15,000 to the community.

The community groups supported include Woolamai Surf Beach Life Saving Club, CFA, National Surfing Reserve, Change For Sam, the Football Netball Club, Landcare, PICAL, Cowes Primary School, SES, Bass Coast Health, The Penguin Foundation, YES Youth Hub, Disabled Surfers Association, Newhaven Primary School, National Vietnam Veterans Museum, Wildlife Victoria, Bass Coast Community Foundation, Free 3D Hands, San Remo Primary School, Totally Renewable Phillip Island and Phillip Island Swim Club.

Awards

Australia Post Executive General Manager, Gary Starr, said, the response to this year’s application phase has been remarkable and a strong indicator of the need to support small Aussie businesses, which are the lifeblood of our economy.

“Small businesses operate at the heart of all communities across Australia. Australia Post is extremely proud to provide support to hard-working business owners – helping their businesses to thrive.

“I’m particularly delighted that, this year, we’ve seen an influx of applications from business across rural and regional Australia, which made up almost a third of all applications, who might not have the same opportunities as those located in metro locations.”

Mr Starr said this year, the number one category for entries was clothing – representing 18 per cent of Local Business Hero applications.

The second highest category was Arts and Crafts at 13 per cent of applications.

Other business categories included Jewellery and Accessories (11 per cent of applicants), Bath and Body Products (eight per cent) and Food and Drinks (also eight per cent).

The Local Business Heroes program is designed to help businesses through coaching, marketing and technology support.

 Applications were open to all small businesses who are selling products online and are an existing customer of Australia Post.

More at: local.clothing or auspost.com.au/localbusinessheroes