A POPULAR program will return to Weipa this Christmas, with Rio Tinto employees to be given $100 vouchers to spend in the local community.
Launched in 2020, the initiative has injected almost $300,000 into the Weipa business economy at a typically quiet time of the year.
The Let’s Keep It Local scheme is administered by the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re asking businesses to register again this year,” treasurer Jay Murray said.
“Even if you have accepted the vouchers before, you’ll still have to sign up again this year.
“We know it’s starting later than previous years, but the vouchers can be spent in the early part of 2023, so you won’t miss out.”
Rio Tinto Weipa community relations manager Janine Schleich said the company was delighted to be offering the Let’s Keep It Local program again.
“It’s been extremely popular in the business community and with our employees,” she said.
“All staff members will receive a voucher and some of our contractors will also receive vouchers.”
With most local businesses signing up for the program, there is a range of options to spend the vouchers.
“We’re seeing all kinds of businesses taking on the vouchers, not just the big stores,” Ms Murray told Cape York Weekly.
“We have a lot of small and home-based businesses in Weipa and they are all eligible to register.
“We’ll be putting a form up on the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce website and you can also email [email protected] to receive a form.”
Ms Murray said once businesses collected a voucher, they had to store the voucher number and then send an invoice to the Chamber.
“It’s a smooth process and we make sure we pay quickly so the businesses get the money in their bank accounts as soon as possible,” she said.
“Anyone with any questions can give me a call on 0428 699 210 and we’ll do what we can to help you out and get you signed up.”
