General News
9 February, 2026
Gift cards encourage local spending
ONE month after the Christmas rush, the Warrnambool Gift Card has delivered a strong early result, with everyone reminded that cards can be purchased year-round, not just during the festive season.
Since launching in late October, a total of 580 cards worth more than $47,000 have been purchased.
So far, these have been redeemed at 77 different local businesses.
Warrnambool mayor Cr Ben Blain said that it was a strong start for the program.
“To have almost $50,000 loaded onto the cards so far, that’s a significant amount of money that is going to stay in the local economy,” he said.
“We’ve been really happy with how everyone has gotten on board. The card is accepted at over 160 local businesses, and the support from individuals as well as corporates has been very strong.
“Christmas is always going to be the peak time, but gift cards can be purchased throughout the year. So whether it’s for birthdays, celebrations like Valentine’s Day or any occasion where you’d like to give a gift, make it a Warrnambool Gift Card.
“The person receiving it has a wide range of options at their fingertips, and you can be satisfied knowing that your gift will help support local businesses and local people.”
Cr Blain encouraged anyone who received a Warrnambool Gift Card over the holidays to use it now and support their favourite local business.
Cr Blain said that physical cards can be purchased at the Civic Centre on Liebig Street or the Visitor Information Centre at Flagstaff Hill.
Digital cards can also be purchased online and added to a digital wallet like Google Pay or Apple Pay.
“It’s good to have the option of either, but looking at the numbers so far, there’s a strong preference for a physical card,” Cr Blain said.
“Whichever option you choose, they can be loaded up with your choice of dollar amount.
“They work just like a debit card, and if stores take tap and go payments, they work with those. Otherwise the physical cards can also be inserted in an older EFTPOS machine.
“And if your business hasn’t signed up, it’s a very quick and easy process, and it’s free.”
To find out more visit www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/warrnambool-gift-card.
