In the Western Downs, about 300 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, we’ve invested in a multi-year partnership with the Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry (CCCI), including the funding of a dedicated business manager, to help the community develop a five-year strategic plan and drive local initiatives.
The plan includes a 20-year vision for Chinchilla to boost the town’s liveability by improving the built and natural environments, the economy, social stability, education, culture and recreation. Importantly, the plan was built by the community itself, including youth representatives, and is now being activated through local events, community initiatives and business programs.
Seventeen initiatives are either in planning or already underway, including a shopping voucher program, ‘Community Spirit Vouchers’. Started in 2020, this initiative’s seen significant growth over the last year, providing vouchers redeemable at more than 30 local retailers. Businesses and individuals can purchase the vouchers as gifts and rewards, keeping funds local and boosting visits to local stores. Since inception, $37,000 worth of vouchers have been purchased, directly benefiting the community.
Further supporting Chinchilla, the self-proclaimed melon capital of Australia, a ‘Use your Melon’ buy local campaign was run in 2021, giving shoppers entry into a mega draw each time they shopped at a participating local business. Over the year, more than 23,000 entries were recorded, representing local spend in excess of $460,000, with prizes valued at $7,000 distributed. Planning is already underway for the 2022 campaign.
The CCCI also support local events, including the One Long Table multicultural food festival, held annually in September and a Community Christmas Party, bringing locals and visitors to town and showcasing local talent, food and artists and supported by volunteers, including Origin employees.
Our support also allows the CCCI to Chair the Chinchilla BEST group, consisting of local and regional businesses and schools who meet monthly, to work together on identifying and planning programs which help local students find quality employment at the completion of their formal education. These programs include ‘Essential Skills’ sessions hosted by local business leaders to help students better prepare for entry into the workforce, and the successful ‘Ignite Your Future’ tours taking students into businesses, including Origin’s field assets, to see first-hand what their future careers could look like.
The partnership has also allowed the CCCI to advocate for improved training opportunities to address significant local shortfalls in key skills areas, such as electricians. A standout achievement of this advocacy has been the introduction in 2022 of local training for Certificate III in Electrotechnology, with local students already enrolled, building local capacity to meet future demand.
