Launceston Mayor encourages Tasmanians to ‘Go Fair’

Fair Trade & Workers Rights, News, Organisation news, Other events, Oxfam Shops, Shops & Fundraising article written on the 10 May 2013

Friday, 10 May 2013

Launceston Mayor encourages Tasmanians to ‘Go Fair’

Launceston’s Mayor is calling on Tasmanians to Go Fair in 2013 by making the switch to fair trade products as part of Fair Trade Fortnight.

To help Tasmanians understand more about how buying fair trade benefits producers in developing countries, the mayor will be speaking at a World Fair Trade Day special event on Saturday 11 May at 12.00pm in the Launceston Mall.

And with a recent Oxfam Australia survey revealing 96% of Tasmanians are concerned that the products they buy are ethically sourced, the event is sure to draw a huge crowd.

Oxfam Shop General Manager Julia Sumner said the support of fair trade councils such as Launceston was paramount in spreading the fair trade message and encouraging more consumers to switch to fair trade products in their everyday purchasing.

“Launceston was the first Tasmanian town to become Fair Trade accredited in 2011,” she said.

“With more than 20 local businesses in Launceston stocking and serving Fairtrade certified products, the community is making a huge impact on the lives of producers around the World.

“Fair trade allows communities to achieve economic independence and empowerment while improving the living standards of more than 1 million workers in 60 developing countries,” Ms Sumner said.

Launceston’s Oxfam Shop has been supporting the communities fair trade development for approximately 30 years now, with its shop manager Amanda Dewis being part of the steering committee who worked towards the towns fair trade accreditation.

A range of children’s activities and fair trade samples will also be available at the event.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
WHO: Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten
WHAT: The mayor will be speaking at the Go Fair Tasmania’s group World Fair Trade Day event at the Launceston Mall.
WHEN: 12.00pm, Saturday 11 May

For interviews with Mayor Albert van Zetten, Oxfam Shop Manager Amanda Dewis, information on products, or to request high resolution images please contact:

Sara Pelvin  |  Marketing & Media Coordinator  |  Oxfam Shop
Level 1, 5-7 Hutt Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Tel: +618 8240 7679 | Fax: +618 8240 7666 | Mob: +61 448 554 495 | www.oxfamshop.org.au