Leigh-Anne Ryan from ‘The Shop’

Mayor Paul McVeigh is encouraging Western Downs businesses to join the ‘buy from the bush’ campaign this Christmas, as an innovative way to support regional retail businesses online.

In just a few short weeks, a new online campaign on social media that features items for sale from regional and rural businesses, has rapidly spread across the country.

The Queensland version of Buy from the Bush is being run by Toowoomba rural property owner and businesswoman, Kerri Brennan and is a hub for sharing posts that promote crafts, food, services and events.

Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh encouraged as many businesses as possible from the region, to get onboard with this idea in time for the Christmas buying frenzy.

“Our retail sector is really feeling the flow-on effects of the drought at the moment as everyone has tightened their belts, so this is another way we can encourage spending in our region,” he said.

“Services are also being promoted such as photography and cleaning services, and even local events.

“It’s not only businesses that can get onboard, many working farms that have a ‘side hustle’ are jumping at the chance to sell some of their hand-made products online through this campaign.”

Sally-Anne Dellit from The Shop has embraced the opportunity to feature some of her products on the page.

‘It’s a great idea to show people from the bigger cities what kind of products you can buy from smaller regional towns,” she said.

“It also encourages local residents who might normally be looking at other online suppliers, to think about what is actually available to buy right here in the Western Downs.”

To join the campaign, look for the Buy from the Bush Qld page on Facebook or #buyfromthebush on Instagram.

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Melanie Coultas | Acting Communications and Marketing Manager | 0419 048 594