Patrick Hibberd (Finley), Sami Whitty (Finley) and Nigel Fell (Jerilderie) are the first weekly winners in this year's Finley Christmas Shopping Bonanza.
Just for shopping at a local store and submitting the entry tickets earned as a result of their purchase, all three have won a $100 local shopping voucher.
Both Mr Hibberd and Mr Fill earned their entries at Finley IGA, while Mrs Whitty was most surprised her single entry at Finley Hong Loch Chinese restaurant was a winner.
An entry ticket is earned for any purchase greater than $5 at a participating store.
Additional entry tickets are earned for every additional $50 spent, up to 20 tickets in any one transaction.
Three $100 vouchers will be drawn each week until December 16, and up to $1500 will be available through the three grand prize draws at the Finley Xmas Xtravaganza on Saturday, December 21.
Each grand prize winner in guaranteed a $250 voucher, but the prize will double if they can collect their prize in person within a set time limit.
Finley Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture president Gary Carr said promotion - which is a chamber initiative supported by the Southern Riverina News - is an incentive to shop local in the lead up to Christmas.
He said shopping local is more important now than ever, given the current economic climate.
‘‘The hardships of drought can have an affect on all local business, so it’s vital we support Finley businesses,’’ Mr Carr said.
‘‘Finley has a diverse range of shops and the owners, managers and staff are always willing to help you where they can.
‘‘Supporting local business plays an important role in keeping the town strong, and in Finley we know how to rally behind our businesses.
‘‘It might only be mid-November, but you can never get started on your Christmas shopping too early.”