Community
26 November, 2025
Christmas initiative spreads in Cobden
THE township of Cobden is getting into the festive spirit with small businesses banding together with innovative ‘Christmas passports’ to encourage local spending this holiday season.
Shoppers can collect a free Christmas shopping passport from participating retailers or from the Cobden Visitor Information Centre.
For every purchase of $10 or more at a participating business, the shopper will receive a stamp – once the passport is filled with six stamps, it becomes an entry into a major prize draw.
“Progressing Cobden, in partnership with the Cobden Retailers Group, is thrilled to report an overwhelming community response to the Cobden Christmas shopping passport, launched during Cobden’s late-night shopping event,” Progressing Cobden president Misty Angus said.
“The initiative has proven so popular that organisers have already had to print additional passports to keep up with demand, as shoppers enthusiastically visit participating stores to collect their stamps.”
Mrs Angus said the strong start reflects the community’s emphasis on supporting local businesses.
“It’s fantastic to see people getting behind our retailers and choosing to shop local this Christmas,” she said.
“The passport adds a bit of fun while keeping money right here in Cobden.
“What businesses can do with this kind of money is incredible and there’s a knock-on effect from that.
“Those businesses support the not-for-profits, the school groups and the sporting clubs.
“The more people are able to shop locally, the more those businesses can support all the other things within town.”
Cobden Sewing Machines owner Helen Smith, as one of the participating businesses, said she’s noticed the overwhelming response from shoppers since the passports have been introduced.
“People are all starting to pull the passports out of their wallets at the checkout, which is really good,” she said.
“People seem to have really taken this on board.
“I never expected this response so early – it’s not even December yet, so how many passports are we going to need?
“I think we’ll probably have to order another lot.”
Completed passports can be returned to any participating business, all of which display a sign in their shop window indicating their participation.
Multiple entries are welcome, with the major prize winner to be drawn at the Christmas at Tandarook Park event on Sunday, December 21.
The program remains open to all Cobden retailers and new businesses are welcome to join.
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