Sunshine Coast Hinterland Community Fund

The Baroon Dollar Project is seeking Expressions of Interest from community members for the inaugural board of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Community Fund. More info?

Support grows for Baroon Dollar

The Baroon Dollar was definitely a hit at last weekends' Maleny Wood Expo (May 2-3 2009) thanks to our team of enthusiastic champions! New recruit Kathy Earsman (pictured left) drew in hundreds of the faithful to sign up as supporters and join the Baroon Dollar 1000 Club.
Consistently we received feedback on the importance of buying locally and supporting small independent businesses in our region. The Baroon Dollar hit a note for most people. They could instantly see how such a strategy could limit the onslaught of national chain stores to maintain the vitality of independent businesses and the character of regional and rural Australia.

Here are some comments from the weekend:

"We've just got to fight back. We've just got to reinvent our buying habits, use our money in smart ways. "

"I came to live in the Sunshine Coast because I love the friendliness of the place and its special charm. I don't want to live in a mega store. You're doing a great job."

"Well I never go off the range to do my shopping but the Baroon Dollar's a great idea because it'll focus others on buying locally and give Maleny a greater sense of pride."

"I'm not one of those people who are absolutely anti-chain, no matter what, but I’d like to see the big guys buying local produce and services. If they can't change then I suppose I'll have to vote with my wallet."

"It makes sense to me. Let's make a good news story about money!"

Baroon Dollar project co-ordinator, Darren Mitchell said: "We've got tough financial times ahead and with an Australian Federal Budget deficit of at least $60 billion until 2016 the economic doom and gloom will stay with us for some time. "
"So people should think local first when it comes to their purchases. It's just a good common sense approach, so that we keep local business for the future and keep jobs in our own community."

Supporting the Baroon Dollar means Thinking Local First and buying locally. You can help save your local economy from the chain stores and encourage independent local businesses to thrive.
The Baroon Dollar is a joint initiative of Sustainable Maleny and the Australian Institute for Community Currencies Inc, an NGO focused on regional economic development through local currencies.

Baroon Dollar at the Maleny Wood Expo 2-3 May 2009

The Baroon Dollar will be visiting the Maleny Wood Expo the weekend of the 2-3 May 2009. This two-day family event is packed with something for the whole family. From rustic bush furniture to contemporary design, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s premier event showcases the region’s finest wood artisans.

The Expo has expanded beyond sustainable use of timbers and now includes the bigger picture – a more holistic view of sustainable living. Do the right thing today and leave a lighter footprint for our children tomorrow!

It's a great chance to Go Local and experience our regions local food, wood artisans, farm forestry, Landcare projects and groups with a focus on Sustainable Living. The Wood Expo is a great initiative of Barung Landcare in Maleny. See you there!

Baroon Dollar Project Launches its 1000 Club

The supporters club of the Baroon Dollar - hit the markets at last weekend Blackall Range Growers Market. The Baroon Dollar 1000 Club aims to join the first 1000 users of the Baroon Dollar.

1. Joining the club is free and is a commitment to:
   Buy a minimum of $B10 when they are launched in June.
   Spend them as often as possible (and ask for them in change)
   Report any useful information or ideas back to the Baroon Dollar team!
2. Join up! Go t0 the Baroon Dollars 1000 Club

Baroon Dollar makes its media debut!

The Baroon Dollar made its media debut on ABC's Radio National program Life Matters on Friday 17th April thanks to Professor Bob Cummins. The program discussed the effects of the global economic recession on the health of Australians. Other speakers included Andrew Leigh (Associate Professor of Econmics, Australian National University); Professor Mark Harris (Executive Director, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, UNSW) and
Professor Gordon Parker (Executive Director, Black Dog Institute)

Download the Broadcast here

More than just an idea

Following much hearty discussion over the last few months a working group of Sustainable Maleny decided to form a non-for-profit organisation to implement a local complementary currency in Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia. The Australian Institute for Community Currencies Inc. (AICC) was formed from Sustainable Maleny's interest in fostering innovative solutions toward maintaining a high quality of life for all members of our community.

Darren and Sustainable Maleny's Barry Earsman

(pictured) have created the Baroon Dollar website.

A great work in progress as the Baroon Dollar becomes a reality. In the next months we hope to see the site providing information for businesses and buyers.

Buyers will be able to pre-buy Baroon Dollars online or search for Products, Services and Distribution Centres. Collectors will be able to purchase online uncirculated collectors sets.

Businesses will have the facility to Register on-line to accept the Baroon Dollar. In return they will be featured in an on-line Directory of Businesses and be provided with point-of-sale marketing and advice.

(Left) Darren and Michael Cole-King discuss the finer points of currency design!

Stay tuned!