Page 8 - Tropic Magazine Issue 15

EDITOR’S

LETTER

I have this fun routine with my kids inside Stockland’s Earlville centre, or
whenever I force them to join me in the the stalls at Rusty’s Markets or Piccones
drudgery of grocery shopping. They like IGA on Pease St. I want them to grow up
supermarkets as much as I do, which is not buying Mungalli milk instead of the $1
at all. So, we get in the car and we groan home brand variety, beautiful cheeses and
on the drive to Raintrees Shopping Centre foodie delights from Providore Amore
and we groan some more as we walk instead of the supermarket deli, and locally
into Woolies to buy essential supplies as roasted coffee (or in their case small cups
quickly and painlessly as possible. Finally, a of frothy milk) from Blackbird, Industry
moment of levity arrives when we drag our One, Tattooed Sailor or Cruze instead of
darkened souls to the checkout. Swiftly, the drive-through dishwater served up by
they grab some cash and a tote bag and global fast food giants.
race down to Fruit Buzz, the green grocer It seems to me this buy local philosophy is
inside the centre. Their job is to buy the more important than ever as we wind up
fruit and vegetables, all on their own and 2018 with the hope of a brighter 12 months
almost out of my line of sight. It is a big ahead. Some sectors are doing well and
responsibility for a 6 and 8 year old, and there’s certainly some confidence around,
they take it very seriously indeed. but it’s still very patchy out there at the
It would of course be more convenient coalface of the Cairns economy.
and timely to buy our assortment of Instead of declaring a New Year’s
bananas, tomatoes, carrots and other raw Resolution you’ll never follow through
goodness from the big supermarket. But with, maybe you could develop a buy
in my own small way I’m trying to impress local routine of your own. It only takes
upon them the importance of shopping at small change to make a big difference.
independent local businesses. What could you and your family do a little
“ business?
differently in 2019 to support more local
They’re not quite old
enough to grasp or care

about the impact of the
supermarket duopoly.
” Gavin King

They just like the grown-upness of [email protected]
handling money and weighing produce
in those old-fashioned hanging scales PS: Speaking of buying locally, we think an
while chatting to the cashiers, all of whom annual subscription to Tropic magazine
now join in the fun of our little shopping for just $56 is the perfect Christmas gift
routine. (that keeps on giving throughout the
Buying local and supporting the small year ahead). We’re 100% locally owned,
business sector is important to me, and and your support allows us to continue
it’s core to our philosophy here at Tropic delivering a high-quality, positive voice
Group. I want my kids to slowly develop for our region. Call us on (07) 4079 5217 or
a lifetime habit of supporting shops like email us at [email protected] for
Fruit Buzz, or Jonsson’s Farm Market details.

8 • Tropic • Issue 15