A very exciting day for all of those involved in the creation of Shepparton's own currency. The beautifully designed notes rolled off the printing press to reveal a work of art that our city should be proud to to call our own.

The printing process was in 3 stages. The first stage was to print the artwork. The next stage the gold ducat was printed with metallic ink and finally, as shown here, the serial numbers were added. Scott Almond explained that this printing press is very versatile and is multi-functional. It is an Original Heidelberg and is 60+ years old.

The whole process of of designing and producing the Shepparton Ducats was done at Willprint. We would like to thank Karen Sibley for the design and Ian and his printing team for giving Shepparton's, and maybe Australia's first local currency.

Here is a sneak peak of the 5 Ducat note featuring the old Raymond West pool (on both sides - different photo). Beautifully designed to be a great collectors item as well as being able to spend them with local shops. If you would like to order a Collector's Page of notes (1, 2, 5 &10 Ducat) you can do so online or at the Lost Shepparton Shop. Pre-launch cost $20, post launch they will retail for $30. See our website (and click on Ducats):   www.myshepparton.com.au

We have had a great response from locally-owned businesses in Corio St and Vaughan St. Brad at Luke's Magic Meats can't wait till they are used in his shop. It shows him that those customers are proud to support his shop and spread the buy-local message.
SPC Ardmona Factory Sales have recently joined too and Andrew Prentice is excited that Shepparton now has a unified way for local businesses and their customers to work together to keep more of the local spend in the city.
​See here for the list of participating businesses. Spread the word to help us to add more businesses to give you more choice.
Click here to order your Collector sets online. Visit the Lost Shepparton Shop to order in person.

Shannon Jukes struggled at school and when given the opportunity to try a new alternative education program at GOTAFE he managed to get back into learning by following his passion, Koorie art. During that time he had mentors to guide him and work experience completing indigenous art projects. After that course finished he spent some time working in an abattoir until he was given another opportunity helping with a Koorie Youth program. 
He is now employed at GOTAFE as an Aboriginal Cultural Arts  teacher and his art now features on the unique Ducat Currency that will support local businesses. Click the link for more info.  
​http://www.myshepparton.com.au/ducats-currency.html

Over the years in Shepparton, and many towns for that matter, there have been all sorts of buy local schemes and businesses have tried their own vouchers or certificates to redeem for goods and services. Trelly at Tackle World in Shepparton even prints his own loyalty currency that he gives to customers at special promotions and at times they can be redeemed at some of the businesses near his store like the butcher, fruit shop or coffee shop.
A great initiative. And look at his currency...quirky and original.
Shepparton's own currency, the Ducat...just takes this idea one step further. It links a greater number of businesses together and the customer has a greater variety of choice. But the basic idea is the same.
Local businesses working together to support each other and give the customer more value.
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Ducats Currency fans are now able to order a collector set of Ducats, online or in store (Lost Shepparton Shop - 204 Corio St, next to BBQs Galore). It will include each of the Ducats notes, some history and details about the features of each note.
Our first two orders occurred today in the Lost Shepparton Shop. Thanks so much to John and Bruce for supporting our Buy Local initiative. John was a bit shy.  :)  (Note: Ducat used was the first prototype. We now have the latest design to display.)
Order yours online now to take advantage of the special deal available before our launch and the Summer City (Bush) Market in the CBD on the 26th & 27 Feb. Or just order any amount of Ducats to spend at the participating shops/businesses. See the list thus far here.

The first edition of Shepparton's own local money (Ducats) will have photos from the Lost Shepparton collection featured on them. Our early designs (thanks Michael Knight) are in the hands of Willprint and here is a sneak glimpse of an early draft. They are going to look great. The background of the notes will feature designs by local Koorie artist Shannon Jukes. This will symbolise the land our city is built on. 
Nearly 20 businesses have signed up so far...many more to come. Let us know if you are interested in purchasing a special collectors' set of the Ducats. They will launch at the Shepparton Bush Market late Feb.
​How does it work? How can you participate? See here.