The final three winners, picking up a combined $5000, were announced at Friday night’s Edward River Council Community Christmas Party and Rotary Carols by Candlelight.
The major prize - $3000 in Deniliquin Business Chamber Why leave Town Deni gift cards - was won by Shannon Martin.
The $1500 prize was won by Susan Jenkin, and the $500 prize was picked up by Stephen Ball.
Also winning prizes this year were our weekly $100 gift card winners - Sue Clancy (for a purchase from Mokanger Butchery), Debra Flenley (Deniliquin Betta Home Living), Shae McCulloch (Hardman’s Intersport), Katherine Chernov (Lulu on Napier), Lindsay Green (Diggers Country Outfitters) who donated his prize to Navorina Aged Care, and Leanne Varty (Soul Pattinson Chemist).
Mr Martin’s winning ticket came from Dahlsens Deniliquin Mitre 10, where he has been spending a lot of time recently.
“We’ve been doing some renovations at home, including reflooring the house, so I think I’ve spent every weekend here (at Mitre 10) getting more supplies,” he said.
“As for the prize, my wife has it earmarked for a new lounge suite from Harvey Norman.”
Having been business owners themselves - as the former owners of Devour Cafe in Deniliquin - Mr Martin said spending their money so it supports the town has always been a priority.
“We have to support the local economy,” he said.
“Everyone is struggling with the cost of living, but we need to help our local businesses.
“I regularly travel for work now, but I always stop in the small towns and the locally owned cafes if I need anything.”
Dahlsens Mitre 10 Deniliquin manager Katrina Knuckey said it a “wonderful thing” to see the major prize go to one of their regular customers.
“We are very grateful to all the customers who support us,” she said.
“Mitre 10 has been involved in this promotion for many years because we like to support anything that benefits our community.
“It is important as a business to be part of these promotions which support the local economy.”
Ms Jenkins earned her prize with a ticket entry from Deniliquin Showcase Jewellers.
She had treated herself to a new crucifix necklace for Christmas.
The $1500 prize has come at the perfect time for Ms Jenkin, who says she needs to replace her refrigerator.
Mr Ball’s winning ticket came from Diggers Country Outfitters, where he said owner Megan Sutton encouraged him to enter.
Initially refusing the tickets, Mrs Sutton persisted and eventually Mr Ball’s tickets made it into the entry box.
He’s not sure how his prize will be spent, but said it will be used well by someone in the family.
Over the seven-week shop local promotions, tickets were earned for every $20 spent at a participating local business, up to 20 tickets in any one transaction.
In the final week, shoppers could earn two tickets for every $20 spent.
Based on the number of tickets provided to businesses to hand out, Pastoral Times general manager Leesa Muir estimates spending at participating stores has exceeded well over $1.5 million since the start of the promotion.
“With the lead up to Christmas the strongest retail period for any community, our aim each year is to encourage people to buy their Christmas gifts locally.
“With the chance to win hundreds or thousands of dollars, we’ve been pleased to see so many shoppers and businesses support this important initiative this year.
“Our Christmas wish is that this support for local businesses continues at the same level in the New Year.
“You can get almost everything you need from our local stores - you don’t have to go out of town or online to find what you need.
“One of our other ongoing campaigns this year has been based on that premise - our award-winning Think B4 U Click campaign.
“That campaign will continue in 2025, so make sure to check in and see what our local businesses can offer you.”
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