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.

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.

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. 
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