In line with City of Kalamunda’s strategy to provide funding for creative and innovative projects to assist local businesses recover from the effects of COVID-19, the City is partnering with the local Bendigo Bank to establish an innovative Local Gift Card program. 

Mayor Margaret Thomas said, “We would love all local businesses to be an active partner of this buy local initiative.”

There will be zero cost for the first 109 businesses to participate in this program as the City and Community Bank Forrestfield & High Wycombe Bendigo Bank will be investing funding, and in the marketing campaign to ensure the long-term viability of the project. 

Community Bank Forrestfield & High Wycombe Bendigo Bank Chairperson, Phil Mutter, said “Local businesses have been hit hard by the impact of COVID19 and we all play a role in our communities’ recovery. What makes us different to other banks in our community is we reinvest profits generated by our business directly back into our local community. Our branches are investing over $20,000 into establishing the ‘Kala Cash’ Local Gift Card Program, in partnership with the City of Kalamunda, and we are encouraging all local businesses to work together to support this ‘buy local’ initiative.”

This project, is based on a highly successful program initiated in regional NSW and is the first to be rolled in WA,  It is designed  stimulate and strengthen our local economy, while increasing community connectedness and engagement in the ‘Love Kala Cash’ message. 

“Shopping local provides better opportunities for face-to-face customer service experiences, supports bespoke local goods, creates jobs and keeps wealth and skills where we live, love and play.” Mayor Thomas said. 

“With 4,375 local businesses (ABS, 2019) in the City, across sectors from retail to accommodation, to arts to technical services, these cards are certain to be popular across the whole community.”

Local businesses can register to be a card redemption and/or load up store.  The gift cards are loaded with funds at nominated ‘Card Load Up Stores’, to the value of between $10 and $1000. They can then be redeemed at multiple participating businesses (the entire value of the card does not have to be spent in one transaction, or at one business). 

“Local businesses and community organisations will be encouraged to use the gift cards as prizes for competitions, rewards, or perhaps this year’s Christmas bonus to thank staff for hanging in there with them during the tough time we’ve all experienced this year.  We’ll be asking our extended community to get to know their local butchers, bakers and art makers. They will be encouraged to share their favourite shop, service or experience by gifting a loaded ‘Love Kala Cash’ card to friends and family members.”

City of Kalamunda businesses can register here

More Information

For more information please contact the City of Kalamunda on (08) 9257 9999, Community Bank Forrestfield Bendigo Bank on (08) 9359 0711, email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au or visit kalamunda.wa.gov.au/kalacash