It has been a steep learning curve to design a currency specifically for Shepparton. I have been working on the idea for possibly 10 years in one way or another since I first found Salt Springs Island Dollars. Been fussing with names, system and design off and on ever since. To get a prototype done we had to consider images, colour, wording (content), fonts, patterns etc etc. Then there is paper type, size, security and so on. We are now off to the printers and have a quote on the cost and soon to start final design then printing. Thanks to all those who have been involved and all going well we will launch late February 2016. Stay tuned. |
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Ray Ducat with his iconic Mr D's Cola. Hope we can buy this with Ducats. There are growing numbers of Shepparton people excited to get their hands on the new Ducats. You may ask why? And that is a very good question. Ask around, and see what people would think regarding using a home-grown "money" to pay for goods and services.
For me it is quite simple: Using Ducats gives me a great incentive, "I want to give priority to — and I’m willing to make an effort for — my region or community. The money I spend will stay in Shepparton and be re-used many times to benefit local businesses." I'm looking forward to seeing how many people are keen to support our local businesses by grabbing a few Ducats and vice-versa, how many businesses want to support the needs of local people by selling them goods/or services in return for Ducats. Local shops need our support as the 'little guy' battles against the might of the large chains and online stores. Great article by Di Thomas who is the new editor of the Shepparton News.
Ducats = Our City, Our Money. Coming soon. I was recently challenged to think about how much of my wage would I (could I) accept to be paid in Ducats? The big question then is where can I spend them? I would need more places to accept them other than discretionary spending (restaurants, clothing etc). Could they be used to pay utility bills, Council rates, groceries, shop lease etc.
The following article is what challenged my thinking and reinforced to me the power of a local currency when locals embrace the philosophy and its value for the community. Launched in September 2012, the Bristol Pound was the UK’s first ever city-wide local currency. See the link below whereby the Mayor agreed to accept the Bristol Pound for his full salary.... "I take my full mayor’s salary in Bristol Pounds and enjoy spending it in the interesting range of local businesses now signed up to take £B." Bristol Pound It would be a great boost to have people accept a percentage of their wages in Ducats. I am sure that if that were the case, many more businesses would like to be involved as they would then have a great way to use the Ducats that people spend in their shops or with their businesses. |
DucatsShepparton's own local currency to support local businesses. Archives
June 2016
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