While many people sit helplessly and watch Australia burn, Lakes Entrance local, Tenille Bull, has found a way to contribute to the long-term futures of many tourist-based businesses in East Gippsland and beyond. Introducing: ‘It’s My Shout’, an online platform that allows us to keep tourism alive by ‘virtual spending’.
Rebuilding the tourism of the affected areas is a priority for many well-meaning Aussies, physically visiting these locations is neither practical or safe at this current moment. Charities are catering for the immediate needs of those affected by the bushfires, however, Tenille is looking to the future, which for many business owners is looking bleak.
The website allows consumers across the globe to choose from virtual coffees or beers, clothing or haircuts, dinner or accommodation – with all proceeds being donated to the respective businesses.
Virtual visitors can also opt to purchase a coffee for a hero – whether it be CFA, SES, Police Ambulance, DELWP, Relief Volunteer or someone who has been affected by the tragic bushfires in East Gippsland. With every coffee purchased, It’s My Shout will add five pre-paid coffees onto the ‘Coffee for a Hero’ talley, so when the next ‘Hero’ walks in craving coffee, we can say ‘it’s my shout!’
According to 2015 data gained in the East Gippsland International Tourism Action Plan 2016-2018, International visitors alone make up a whopping 30,500 additional people to East Gippsland, with an average spending of $1052 per person.
For many locally-owned and run businesses, the peak six weeks of summer holidays are the busiest of the year. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many businesses make 50-60% of their income for the year during these peak times.
Locals are now left wondering how they’ll keep their businesses afloat without that income – thankfully through ‘It’s My Shout’ we can all do our part to help.
For more information, to register as a business or to make a virtual purchase, please visit www.itsmyshout.com.au.
