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Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas, boosting jobs and celebrating regional products

Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas, boosting jobs, celebrating regional produce, and helping small enterprises like Sale’s "Love in a Jar" thrive across the community.

By news@gippsland - 14th November 2025 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is encouraging Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas and help to create more jobs across the region. Mr Chester says putting locals first is the best Christmas gift because there are so many outstanding products that are made in Gippsland.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and Love in a Jar owner-founder Rosalie Green

Celebrating local success

Highlighting one example of local success, Mr Chester met with Sale-based business owner Rosalie Green, whose passion for creating homemade jams, pickles and chutneys has turned her brand into a Gippsland favourite.

"It’s no secret that great things are made right here in Gippsland, and ‘Love in a Jar’ is one of the many small businesses proving just that. Rosalie’s commitment to quality, local produce and traditional recipes has helped her business grow while giving people a real taste of Gippsland," Mr Chester said.

Support local businesses

Mr Chester said small businesses were the backbone of local communities and needed community support more than ever during the festive season. "Every dollar spent locally helps to keep jobs in our towns, supports local families and strengthens the regional economy. This Christmas, I’m urging everyone to think local, whether it’s buying gifts, produce or services, and help small businesses like Rosalie’s continue to thrive," he said.

Love in a Jar products are made from locally sourced ingredients and sold throughout Gippsland, with loyal customers praising their homemade flavour and authenticity. "It’s always fantastic to see small, locally run businesses thriving and sharing Gippsland’s best produce with the wider community. Putting locals first isn’t just good for the economy - it’s a great way to celebrate who we are as a region," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• The Nationals slam Labor's secret public transport tax funding costly suburban rail loop as regional Victorians bear the burden
  The Nationals accuse Victoria's Labor government of secretly taxing public transport users $8 billion to fund the Suburban Rail Loop, while regional communities receive disproportionately less infrastructure funding.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• Walhalla Museum launches virtual reality experience bringing gold mining history to life for visitors through new Regional Tourism upgrade project
  Walhalla Museum has launched a $50,000-funded virtual reality experience showcasing its gold mining history, with multilingual and accessible visitor facilities supported through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund.
• East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
  The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
  Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region.
• Matthew Canavan welcomes Commonwealth Bank branch extension, calls for stronger government action to protect regional banking services
  Nationals leader Matt Canavan welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s decision to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while urging the Government to protect banking access and rebuild services lost elsewhere.