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AUSTRALIAN MADE LOCAL PANDEMIC PUSH FOR Research indicates that Aussies are showing a greater support for Australian made amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Convenience World spoke to retailers and suppliers to find out if this has really been the case. By Nicholas Rider. Despite 76 per cent of surveyed Australians being mindful of their spending during the initial Covid-19 lockdown period and more than 56 per cent not really knowing anything about their local businesses, according to research from MasterCard, 73 per cent are wanting to actively spend in the local community to help them bounce back and recover. In fact, 42 per cent are so committed to helping the locals stay afloat they’ve spent more money on a product or service in the local community despite knowing they could have found it cheaper elsewhere. The research also suggests that the shift to shopping local has made Australians feel more connected with the community. Sixty-nine per cent of respondents said they feel a greater sense of community spirit now than prior to lockdown, while 68 per cent are more inclined to spend at their local shops. 30 CONVENIENCE WORLD JAN/FEB, 2021