It has been 2 months since our Ducats Currency was launched. In this time we have signed up about 25 businesses and more than D$4,000 have been circulated into the local community. Also, 100+ sets of Ducats have been sold to collectors. Only one business has pulled out because they felt it was not working for them at this time and may join at a later stage.
A number of shoppers are regularly exchanging their dollars for ducats and enjoy supporting new businesses for the first time.
There are now 2 Ducats Exchanges where shoppers can get their ducats (with 10% bonus) - Lost Shepparton Shop located at 154 Welsford St and Focus Cards and Gifts in the Mall.
Just recently we formed a not-for-profit association, Shepparton Ducats Currency Inc, which will oversee the management, development and financials to ensure their long term viability as a local currency in the Shepparton community.

Back in 2001 I was inspired with local currencies when I found the Berkshares in Massachusetts, USA.

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.