Queenslanders encouraged to buy from the bush this festive season

In new Suncorp research, findings reveal nine in 10 Australians prefer presents of sentimental value over expense. This comes as the Australia Retail Association predicts spending to be on the rise this festive season, particularly on food and general retail items.

Suncorp’s Head of Agribusiness, April Cavanagh, urged Queenslanders to take the time to consider buying their gifts and celebration supplies from the bush to help the festive spend extend to regional communities.

“It’s been a challenging start to the summer season for many parts of Queensland, with horrific bushfires and prolonged drought conditions. The economic impact is being felt across many communities,” April said.

“This festive season, one of the best ways to support our neighbours in the west is to extend your festive spend to regional communities. We know people are increasingly preferring gifts of sentimental value, something home-made or personalised - something regional small businesses and boutiques offer.

“Every dollar a regional business or farmer receives, the surrounding town will profit a $1.32 through further spending in the region. Your support for one business owner will ultimately support the town as well.”

“Canvas and Lime started on a kitchen table as a side hustle project – my husband and I own a citrus farm and my business partner Angela is a teacher aide. It’s amazing to think we now have customers right across the country buying our products,” Kylee said.

“Our products are all hand-made in a studio in town. We hand paint all our bags and jewellery, meaning everything we sell is one-of-a-kind. This has become a unique selling point for us, which has been promoted by the word-of-mouth support of our customers.”

“One of the biggest challenges of running a business in a regional or remote community is attracting customers, especially during busy gift-giving times. We’ve been lucky to have local customers who have shared our story with their friends across the country – this support makes a massive difference.”  

Darling Downs cattle producer and Toowoomba-based business owner Kerri Brennan is helping spread the word of regional businesses beyond their local community through a Buy from the Bush Queensland campaign.

“Like me, many rural businesses are borne out of producers looking for off-farm income, particularly during periods of drought. I launched Buy from the Bush QLD to not only give locals a space to promote their business, but to also connect,” Kerri said.

“It’s been great to see the support of so many people sharing the Buy from the Bush message. Queensland is home to some amazing rural and remote businesses, so if you’re still looking for your gifts this season, I encourage you to jump online and have a look at what’s available in your wider region.

“Your support to these little businesses is life changing. You would have not only given your loved one (or yourself) a unique gift, but you would have given the gift of hope to a drought ravaged family.”

More information on Buy from the Bush is available here.

We’re also encouraging people to support local and regional businesses when buying food:

• Go Local, Grow Local recovery campaign—encourages Queenslanders to support small businesses in their community by shopping locally
• Food and beverage supplier directory—showcases products grown, made and produced in Queensland.