IN 2025, Hervey Bay is buzzing with growth and opportunity. 

National businesses continue to set up shop, offering new choices and creating employment—a welcome boost for our region. 

However, while these larger entities provide variety, their profits often flow back to head offices far removed from our community. 

In contrast, locally owned businesses invest directly in the heart and soul of Hervey Bay.

When you shop local, you’re supporting more than just a business; you’re helping build the foundations of our community. 

Local businesses are the ones sponsoring junior sports teams, donating to school fundraisers, and stepping up for grassroots projects.

Their profits are reinvested here, driving a cycle of mutual support that benefits everyone. 

From the butcher who buys fresh produce from a local farmer to the café that sources its coffee beans from a Queensland roaster, homegrown businesses create a vibrant and interconnected economy.

As the options in Hervey Bay expand, it’s more important than ever to pause and consider what local businesses can offer. 

Whether it’s a unique product, exceptional service, or a personal touch that can’t be replicated, our local operators bring passion and expertise to their work. 

By choosing them first, we ensure their longevity and encourage innovation within our community.

Local businesses are also the backbone of support for grassroots initiatives, often filling the gaps where larger corporations may not tread. 

These contributions nurture a strong sense of belonging, making Hervey Bay more than just a destination—it’s a thriving community.

In this era of increased choice, let’s remember the power of our wallets. 

Each dollar spent locally has a ripple effect, strengthening the very fabric of our city. 

So, before heading to a national chain, why not see what a local business can do? 

Together, we can continue to build a prosperous, connected, and resilient Hervey Bay.