General News
2 April, 2025
The catch with rise of snatching cheeky social Neds
Businesses from far and wide becoming gamer than Kelly, writes Chris Earl IT WAS a little selfish to mention but desperate times and all that ... I thought it was worth a cheeky mention. So wrote a reader at the weekend after trying for an...
Businesses from far and wide becoming gamer than Kelly, writes Chris Earl
IT WAS a little selfish to mention but desperate times and all that ... I thought it was worth a cheeky mention.
So wrote a reader at the weekend after trying for an “opportune hit” to recruit Loddon youngsters to a Bendigo football club.
The “recruitment” post had appeared in the Loddon Herald story about Newbridge faltering in efforts to revive an under 17 side.
As we pointed out to the online correspondent, better that Loddon people stay local. Suggested Inglewood and Bridgewater clubs were a better option, and closer, than trips into Bendigo and the higher risk of losing people capital and economic capital from our local communities.
The rise of “cheeky” posts on social media has turned into a phenomena of epidemic proportions.
Businesses and events from far and wide cutting corners, and perhaps costs, as some type of modern-day Ned Kellys roaming the cybersphere to snatch the custom and patronage of Loddon people. Gamer than Ned, they say.
The growing plethora of out-of-town and out-of-shire businesses being allowed to hijack social media pages, started to strengthen the social (and economic) fabric of our local communities.
For example, constant posts about meat sellers popping up, in competition to our award-winning Loddon butchers who support their communities day in and day out with friendly service, quality product and support for local organisations.
That is just one example in the explosion of these Neds trying for a cut of Loddon money without contributing to the very social fabric of local towns.
Just as surprising is that administrators of these social media pages, some who don’t even live locally, are willingly allowing their platforms to work against a the timely and concerted campaign by Loddon Shire to boost support of businesses in our towns.
Shop Loddon is a catch cry that should resonate with every resident in every town.
Whether it the supermarket, pharmacy, hairdresser, hotels and cafes, nursery, craft and gift shops, tyre services, mechanics or the butcher, they need our support.
There is certainly interaction with the very nearby communities for events - our friends in Charlton this weekend host the Lyster Opera performance and there will be the reconnection of towns when the football and netball season fires up next week.
But that is very different to the drive-through portable retailers whose only commitment to Loddon communities is to pick up a few more bucks. They may not even stop long enough for a cup of coffee.
People behind some of the town and district social media pages, on reflection, may in future chose to return them to the foundational principles and demonstrate fair dinkum support for our towns, by vacating the business promotion space.
In the process, they would demonstrate being akin to team players, throwing support behind the shire’s campaign to boost local business.
A dent in Ned’s armour to stop these snatching cheeky attempts that only rob our local economy. Good on them for having a try, but as with the impromptu effort to syphon young footballers into Bendigo, we need our communities standing strong and together.