Advertising Feature
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Many country towns are struggling on the back of the drought, but Portland’s future is bright.
Andrew Neville is the president of the recently established Portland Business Incorporation, and he is confident that this town will continue to prosper, because the community and local businesses work hand-in-hand.
The businesses which are here providing services for the local community are relying on that community to support them in return.
- Andrew Neville, president of Portland Business Incorporation
“Small country towns rely heavily on the local community especially at the moment, where there is no tourist attractions which will bring people to the area in their thousands week-in, week-out,” he said.
“In that sense the businesses which are here providing services for the local community are relying on that community to support them in return.”
Having a thriving local business community has many benefits, Mr Neville explains, including being very convenient for residents.
“Time is of the essence these days. Everybody is time poor, so having a range of businesses in your local areas means you can avoid having to travel too far,” he said. “People can save themselves a lot of time, if you don’t have to pop into Lithgow – that’s a bonus for the local community.”
“Portland is very lucky in that regard because there are a lot of services which are offered here now.”
This advertising feature is sponsored by the following businesses.
- First National Bowyer & Livermore
- Williams & Son Butchers
- Portland Bowling Club
- Portland Produce
- Portland Central School
- St Joseph School
- Bella Zora’s Pizza
There is the doctor, solicitor, a gym, restaurants, chemist, supermarket, newsagency, banking, petrol station, take away, real estate, butcher, the post office and more.
And it is also pertinent to remember that many businesses can’t be found on the main street.
“Your local community is more than the main street these days, with the development of internet and social media. It is important that those businesses without shopfronts are also recognised as part of local business,” Mr Neville said.
“Together, all the boxes are being ticked in terms of the services being provided to Portland.”
It all bodes well for the future of this town.
“Over the last couple of years Portland has developed a really positive vibe. There are a lot fewer empty shops than there were five or ten years ago,” he said.
“Businesses are sticking around and new ones are opening up all the time.”