Festive events line main streets of the Southern Downs

08 Dec 2022 |
8 December 2022

In the lead up to the festive season, there is plenty to see and do on the Southern Downs and Southern Downs Regional Council is encouraging residents to shop local this Christmas.

Why Leave Town cards are an easy gift-giving alternative and they can also be used for raffles, competitions or workplace incentive rewards – all with the added bonus of keeping money local.

Using an EFTPOS-based system, shoppers can purchase a Why Leave Town gift card at the Warwick Credit Union or online at whyleavetown.com. This card can then be used for purchases at participating stores in the northern region.

Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said that small businesses are the heart and soul of our local communities and supporting them to flourish helps make the Southern Downs a great place to live, work, play and stay.

“Small businesses are the beating pulse of our region and they need community and visitor support to help them thrive. The Why Leave Town gift card program makes shopping from local businesses even easier and more convenient,” Mayor Pennisi said.

“There are also plenty of wonderful artisan markets dotted across the region during the festive season and Council’s What’s On tourism and events calendar is your go-to guide to find out what’s happening and where.

“Do yourself a favour and download the Southern Downs and Granite Belt App today because it’s the easiest way to see what’s on around the region with information available at your fingertips.”

In Stanthorpe, the CBD will come alive with Christmas music from 8:30am to 5:30pm daily and shoppers will have the chance to win $1500 worth of Why Leave Town gift cards in the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce Christmas promotion. Shoppers are asked to simply save their receipts, write their names and contacts details on the back and drop receipts off to one of the entry boxes in town. More details are available @stanthorpecoc.

The Christmas Market Day will also return in Stanthorpe’s main street on Friday 16 December with a myriad of stalls offering unique gift ideas with local and handmade arts and crafts for sale. Find out everything you need to know about the market day at www.stanthorpecoc.com.

The Warwick Chamber of Commerce will once again host Christmas Downtown with decorated trees and special late night shopping events that are alive with community spirit. Head to their Facebook page @warwickchamber to find out how you can adopt a tree and follow the Christmas event schedule.

The popular Jingle and Mingle shopping event will see retail stores open along Palmerin Street in Warwick on Friday 9 December for extended hours until 8pm. Shoppers will have the chance to go into the draw to win $500 worth of Why Leave Town gift cards donated by Council.

To find out how to get your event listed on Council’s Southern Downs and Granite Belt tourism website and app, visit https://southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au/listing-your-event/.

Last edited date 08 Dec 2022