+ What’s ‘Think Local’ all about?

The Newport Traders Association (NTA) is an enthusiastic volunteer organisation striving to improve the current business environment for Newport village by advocating for all Newport businesses and organising networking and marketing opportunities that will encourage people to visit and shop in Newport.

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+ What’s in it for traders?

The NTA's primary goal is to support each other and market the vast array of businesses that are located in Newport as well as providing important support and information to owners. Businesses are marketed here on this website, across the NTA's social media accounts, and other occasional marketing including cinema and print advertising.

We hold a meeting each month (which is not compulsory) and provide materials and support to every business and owner.

We also liaise regularly with Council and other Government Departments and agencies to assist with issues that affect members. This can include traffic management and roadworks.

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+ How do customers benefit?

If anything, the Pandemic has given us renewed respect for our own 5km radius and the immediate suburb in which we live. A real customer benefit from the Newport Think Local campaign is realising what's just around the corner or close to home. Rather than jumping in the car and traipsing through Melbourne for the next product or service experience the NTA is encouraging locals to Think Local first.

The outcome for locals is the understanding that Newport has much to offer. Together we can all add value to the community and support each other as we emerge and prosper from the Pandemic.

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+ What if I already have a website?

The Think Local campaign is all about further promoting businesses of Newport beyond what your current website may achieve. By pollinating details of Newport Traders on this, the NTA's website and across our social media channels - we endeavour to provide as much exposure to Newport businesses as possible.

But beyond exposure, the NTA also advocates for local businesses. By liaising with council and other government departments and agencies, the NTA can assist with issues that affect all members. If you have an issue, we're here to help.

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+ What’s the gain for Newport?

“The simple message of It Takes a Village is as relevant as ever: We are all in this together.” Hillary Clinton

While it's true that the NTA is about helping local businesses, it’s also about encouraging residents to support local. It's an entire mindset shift for locals to shop local, support local and think local. The result is that we all help each other and thrive as a united community.

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+ Why not just shop online?

Of course, locals could jump on to Amazon or Ebay and the likelihood is that they still will continue to do so. But the NTA is endeavouring to shift behaviours so that locals don't always jump online as a default and instead look to their local community first. We want them to think local first. By doing so, they might just discover a gem of a business they've always walked past but never endeavoured to stop and visit. They might just be surprised by everything Newport has to offer.