Media Release
January 21, 2020
The Australian Made Campaign (AMCL) is calling on consumers to support local growers and manufacturers this Australia Day by looking for the iconic green and gold kangaroo when shopping for genuine Aussie products.
Australian Made Chief Executive, Ben Lazzaro, highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses this Australia Day, especially those in regional and bushfire affected areas, to help communities bounce back in what are extremely challenging times.
“We need to rally behind our local businesses. Every dollar spent on locally made and grown products will have a direct impact on the livelihoods of Aussie farmers and manufacturers, as well as the wider community.
We are so lucky to have access to some of the best products in the world made right here in our backyard,” said Mr Lazzaro.
These sentiments were echoed by Australian Made licensee MiniJumbuk. Located in the country town of Naracoorte in South Australia, MiniJumbuk Managing Director, Darren Turner, said buying Australian Made products is the best way to help local businesses and communities.
“I think it’s important that all Australians realise that every time they purchase an Australian Made product, they are supporting the entire country, and in that country, you get these small communities like Naracoorte.
Established in 1975 by local sheep shearer, Don Wray, MiniJumbuk has grown to become a global leader in the design and manufacturing of premium wool bedding products. Mr Turner believes part of the company’s success is down to its local roots.
“I believe that MiniJumbuk being base in a small regional town in the heart of Australia’s prime wool growing areas plays a big part in the brand. Customers like authenticity, they like traceability.”
Another Australian regional grower and manufacturer of the only Australian Garlic Oil, produced from 100 per cent Australian grown garlic, Australian Garlic Producers (AGP) Chief Executive Officer, Nick Diamantopoulos, explained the importance of looking for the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo when shopping.
“I encourage everyone to buy Australian – it helps our country, and it is as simple as that. You have to look after your own backyard, and we need to support local products and produce,” Mr Diamantopoulos said.
AGP is Australia’s largest garlic grower, operating several growing locations across New South Wales and Victoria and supplies garlic to Australia’s largest food retailers including Woolworths, Coles and Aldi.
“I think it’s also important for the consumers to know that what they are ingesting is safe, has full traceability and is grown in a clean, green environment. The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo really represents everything we stand for.”
You can watch the Australian Makers series at www.australianmade.com.au/ausmakers.
Source: Caitlin Blair, Australian Made Campaign Ltd.