Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
What if your business was the answer to someone's Christmas shopping list? From gifts and experiences to everyday services and specialist trades, Gift Local | The Whitsundays is giving local businesses a new way to get in front of shoppers this Christmas and throughout the year.
Led by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gift Local is a year-round online directory showcasing what the region has to offer. It's designed to help locals and visitors find, browse and buy local, with businesses promoted across print, digitaland social media.
And it's not just for shops selling gifts.
Think about what your business could offer as a gift. A sunset sailing trip, restaurant voucher, massage, weekend away, artwork, or jewellery? What about a garden makeover, home improvement, plumbing service, or something practical that someone would love to have taken care of?
If people can buy it, book it, gift it, or benefit from it, there's a place for your business.
Retailers, tourism operators, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses, trades, professional services, health and wellbeing providers, creatives and home-based businesses are all welcome. You don't need to be a Chamber member to participate.
The 2026 Christmas launch brings together three promotional opportunities:
Every online listing links directly to your own website, so customers can contact you, make enquiries or purchase directly. There are no sales commissions, just an annual listing payment.
It's an opportunity to reach new customers, promote your products and services, strengthen your online presence, and be part of a regional campaign encouraging people to spend locally.
Basic listings are free for Chamber members, with featured listing options available for businesses wanting greater visibility.
And it doesn't end with Christmas. Gift Local is a year-round guide, with future seasonal promotions planned around Mother's Day, Father's Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day.
Get your business on the Whitsundays shopping list. Register by 5pm Wednesday 18 November to be included in the Christmas launch.
Visit whitsundaysgiftguide.com.au to learn more and book your listing.
The Chamber is partnering with Whitsunday Regional Council on Christmas Lights Our Whitsunday Way, encouraging businesses to add some festive sparkle to their shopfronts.
Enter the competition for your chance to win a $1,500 Mackay and Whitsunday Life print media voucher or a $1,000 Star Mackay and the Whitsundays radio voucher for the highly commended entry.
You can also pin your display on the Christmas Lights Trail Map so locals and visitors can enjoy the festive cheer.
Entries close midnight Sunday 13 December.
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