Buy from the Bush bounces into 2020

There are high hopes that campaigns like the Buy from the Bush social media movement will continue to bounce along in 2020 with several businesses in the North West region receiving a boost in Christmas sales after they were featured on the initiatives popular social media accounts.

“It’s been wonderful, it would be excellent if we could keep it going,” said Jane Harrison who owns and runs PJ’s Country Wares in Wee Waa and Mungindi with her daughter Prue Sykes.

Buy from the Bush is an online initiative that showcases products and boutiques based in rural Australia on its social media pages with the aim of connecting bush businesses with city customers.

“Having grown up in Sydney, I was very keen to feel helpful in what can often feel like a helpless situation,” said Buy from the Bush founder Grace Brennan who now lives on a farm at Warren, NSW and is well aware of the ripple effects of the drought from the farm gate to the main street.

When one of Mrs Brennan’s friends mentioned that her family was going to ‘buy from the bush’ at Christmas, it was a light-bulb moment and in October last year, with the help of some talented friends, Mrs Brennan launched what has become one of the most powerful brands in the bush, and it’s all about helping people.

Buy from the Bush is continuing to grow, it currently has about 200,000 followers on Instagram and more than 180,000 on Facebook and is now not only focused on helping rural businesses but also those impacted by the recent bushfires.

Mrs Brennan has also been asked to deliver the 2020 Australia Day address.

“It really has been wonderful, the shops were so quiet – we’ve had calls from all around Australia,” said Mrs Harrison who was delighted when the Akubra hats that PJ’s stocks were featured by the Buy from the Bush team.

“It was lovely to talk to the people who were phoning up from the city and they were also interested in buying something else too, we also had nighties featured.”

The initiative has also encouraged locals to shop in their main streets to ensure regional businesses and towns don’t dry up during the drought.

Both Mrs Harrison and Roxanne Whitton, who owns and runs the Wee Waa Newsagency and Gift shop, said that being featured by Buy from the Bush has also generated a positive reaction from locals who are choosing to shop in town.

Buy from the Bush featured backpacks, drink bottles and the popular Haviana thongs in its post about the Wee Waa Newsagency and Gift shop and stated that the shop was “clearly more than a newsagency”.

“We were so excited when Buy from the Bush featured us,” said Mrs Whitton.

“I would just love to thank them for helping us all, it also helped the Post Office and they need help too.”

Mrs Whitton gives full credit to 14-year-old Phoebe Paulston for encouraging the team at Buy from the Bush to choose the Wee Waa Newsagency and Gift Shop as a business to feature on its popular, social media pages.

“Phoebe did it all,” said Mrs Whitton about the Wee Waa High School student who works at the business four days a week.

“Phoebe’s taken a real interest in social media and taking photos.

“I think it was a challenge for her too, she even got her Mum (Liz Paulston) to come in and help with decorating and presentation for the photos.”

At just 14, Phoebe has shown very promising skills for a future in business and also displayed a high level of persistence and creativity when it comes to helping her employer as well as the Wee Waa community.

“Buy from the Bush is such an incredible initiative,” said Phoebe.

“Small businesses in rural areas are struggling and people want to help.

“Buy From the Bush is a practical way for businesses to be seen by an extensive audience of potential shoppers.

“I’m extremely passionate in supporting rural businesses, towns and communities.”

Mrs Whitton is very proud of Phoebe and is also incredibly grateful to the city customers choosing to shop with country businesses, and like many, she hopes it continues.

“It’s been great to see the support, the Penny Scallan backpacks have been the most popular.

“It’s been lovely chatting to the customers on the phone from Sydney and Melbourne and all over, and I’ve wrapped up all their presents nicely,” Mrs Whitton added.

No doubt the city customers have enjoyed the quality, country customer service.