How many days in a typical month would you say that you find yourself at a loose end with nothing really to do? The kids are complaining that they’re bored and spend the day indoors playing video games. You might burn your free time reading or doing something a bit less productive like watching YouTube or scrolling Instagram. On days like these, why not find events near you in Australia?
Here are some of the best reasons you should be attending and supporting events in your home state, city and surrounding areas.
1. You Pay Into the Local Economy
Just think about where your money and support is going when you do things like play video games, watch YouTube or binge-watch Netflix shows…you’re just supporting huge non-Australian corporations every time you do this. Now, there’s nothing wrong with an occasional game or an episode or two of a great new show, but get yourself into the community and start supporting local businesses.
The pandemic has made things especially tough for local enterprises, many of which have had to get loans and outside financing to help support them through the hard times. While many events themselves might be free to attend, you can still support the local economy by using some of your spending power to enjoy food, drinks and other goodies on offer from local vendors attending the event.
2. It’s Quality Family Time
Another great reason to get yourself and the family out to local events is that it’s the perfect way to spend quality time together. Even families that are together under the same roof are becoming increasingly isolated and kids’ health being impacted because of our growing dependence on screens and technology. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly did nothing to improve that already emerging and growing trend.
Getting outdoors together means exercising, communicating, taking time away from screens, enjoying conversation, fun activities and bonding time. These are things that bring families back together again.
3. You Get to Show Your Community Spirit
Communities are built by people taking part in them. If we all confine ourselves to our own homes and don’t take the time and perhaps the trouble to drive out to attend local events, then the community starts to decay and eventually die. Local events build community spirit and strengthen the common bonds between neighbours, family and friends. New friendships are made in every generation, and you get to feel as though you’re part of something important and meaningful.
4. It’s Good for Business
Let’s take a moment to look at this not just from a family perspective, but also from that of the above-mentioned business owners. Supporting local events places your brand and your product firmly in the local eye. Sure, there are some businesses where the local market might just be a tiny part of a huge nationwide and international market, but supporting your community is an absolute must for any serious brand that wants to win hearts and minds.
For smaller businesses, events bring huge foot traffic. Take a local food and beverage business, for example. Where you might struggle to sell 100 items a day to break even, an event can see you sell thousands of your product, and at the same time win a bunch of new customers who will look you up online, visit your store and buy from you on a regular basis.
5. Local Events Frequently Support Good Causes
Finally, attending local events is a terrific way to show your support for great causes. Many local events have a charity element, with either a percentage of vendors’ takings, or proceeds from ticket sales or raffles going toward a charitable fund. Charity doesn’t have to be just depositing spare change in collection boxes, but can also be a fun-filled family activity, too.
