Following on from the huge success of last year’s inaugural campaign (which prompted more than 70 per cent of Aussies to increase their efforts to prioritise local product purchases), Australian Made Week is back to support makers and growers from around the country, as well as safeguard against access and supply issues highlighted by the pandemic.
Running from June 6-12, Australian Made Week is the only initiative of its kind, and is especially crucial in this post-pandemic world where buying locally sourced products is more important than ever. It’s also an opportunity to highlight the hardworking and interesting people behind the 4,200-plus businesses that consider their Australian Made certification as a badge of honour.
There’s a feel-good factor involved too, that comes with the knowledge you’re making socially, economically and environmentally responsible purchasing decisions with far-reaching benefits.
This year’s ambassador is cook, lawyer, TV presenter and author, Adam Liaw. He’s incredibly passionate about encouraging consumers to seek out and buy genuine products bearing the trusted green-and-gold kangaroo logo.
“We are absolutely spoilt for choice in Australia as we have the best products in the world, manufactured and grown to the highest standards right here in our own backyard,” he says.
“COVID reminded all of us that we need to think and buy local – and move away from reliance on imported goods – if we’re going to have manufacturing self-sufficiency and reliable supply chains, ensuring we can obtain products we want, when we want them.”
Adding to this is Australian Made chief executive Ben Lazzaro, who says there’s no better time than Australian Made Week to draw attention to the benefits of buying local.
“The pandemic has really opened people’s eyes to the dependencies and vulnerabilities of relying on imported goods and how we can all play our part in making small changes that have a huge impact on our quality of life and our economy,” he says.
“When you buy Australian Made, you have a direct economic impact on the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Australians throughout the supply chain."
So, if you’re feeling inspired to find out more about Australian Made week, head to the website – and don’t forget to spread the word on your socials by posting about your purchases with #AustralianMadeWeek. Happy shopping!