Call to 'Holiday at Home' to help local businesses

Ms Templeman is supporting a campaign for locals to Holiday At Home, and is putting together a series of videos designed to show people from the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury the hidden gems they might not have realised were on their doorstep.

"There are great attractions in the Hawkesbury that people in the Blue Mountains might not know about, and vice versa," said Ms Templeman.

"We all know what the major attractions are, but there are also wonderful secrets that are only about an hour's drive from home.

"This week I visited Ebenezer, where you can find Peter and Jonathan Auld of Tizzana Winery offering delicious wine from their vineyard, Australia's oldest church and school house, fruit-picking, and a hearty meal at quirky Tractor 828.

"At the other end of the electorate, I visited Megalong Valley and dropped into the gorgeous Megalong Creek Estate, where Kim Draguns opens the cellar door every weekend. Right next door is Dryridge Estate, and the views are to die for.

"Stop in for some lunch at Megalong Valley Tea Rooms, where Dice and Ezra and the team will welcome you with a smile and some delicious food.

"I will be travelling around the electorate over coming weeks to speak to local businesses and to find out what they would like to see in terms of support, as well as what changes they have implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As borders reopen, we want to encourage interstate travelers to come and visit us, and no doubt our residents will go and support other struggling communities.

"But we can also all do our bit to help local businesses and ensure there are jobs for local residents by holidaying at home and rediscovering our wonderful region."

To see some of the Holiday at Home videos, visit Ms Templeman's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/susan.templeman, or her YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDChL3XR_cFJSc1