Parkes residents can buy gift cards for as low as $1

Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith says the council is encouraging people to look local first before buying gifts.

"In difficult times, such as this prolonged period of drought, it is especially important that we continue investing in our local business community," he said.

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Parkes Shire Council has partnered with Why Leave Town Promotions to deliver the shop local program. 

It said the new initiative will stimulate economic activity and support local business community, while providing a unique and convenient gifting solution. 

Parkes Shire Council economic and business development manager, Anna Wyllie, said the gift card acts like an Eftpos savings card and it can can be used for multiple transactions across a number of participating stores within the city.

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“It is the perfect gift for that hard to buy for friend, family member or colleague, and they also provide a great solution for organisational gifts and incentives." 

Shop Parkes Region Gift Cards can be accessed and loaded at any Load Up Store within the Parkes Shire all year round.

It can be loaded with as little as $1 to as much as $1000.

The card will remain valid for three years.

The council said more than 30 businesses in Parkes and Peak Hill have signed up as redemption stores.

Approximately 34 million gift cards are sold in Australia each year, with an estimated annual worth of $1.5 to $2.5 billion.