What’s happening?
This year’s Bush Christmas Exhibition is inviting shoppers to choose Australian-made gifts when doors open from 19 to 28 November at the Masonic Centre on Neil Street in Toowoomba.
More than 100 artists, gourmet makers and hand crafters from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia will take part.
Why it matters
Event Director Wendy Allen said the exhibition feels vital in the current retail climate. She said shoppers are now looking for quality items made by small business owners rather than fast retail or imported goods.
She said, “Bush Christmas has been going now for 29 years. It was founded at the time to bridge the divide between regional makers and city shoppers but over time, it has evolved to be a celebration of all things Australian made.”
She added that many people now want to support smaller makers. “In a world where fast fashion, cheap imports and international conglomerates dominate, people are now more than ever invested in Australian made products and supporting small businesses and makers.”
Wendy said the meaning behind each purchase also matters. “Shoppers to our exhibition love the fact that products have been thoughtfully designed and made by a small business owner, are high quality and not mass produced.”
“A gift from Bush Christmas has double meaning, you will be gifting a beautiful quality product to a loved one but you will also be investing in and supporting an Australian small business, keeping your money in the regional economy.”
Local impact
The exhibition gives regional creatives a clear retail platform during the busy Christmas period and keeps spending within local and regional communities.
By the numbers
Here’s the thing, the scale of the exhibition shows how strong regional creativity remains.
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More than 100 artists and makers will feature, showing steady support from four states.
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The event has run for 29 years, showing ongoing community backing.
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The exhibition runs for ten days, giving shoppers many chances to buy Australian made.
Zoom in
Visitors will find handmade artworks, garden art, gourmet food, jewellery, homewares, books, toys and more. Festive treats such as Christmas cakes and puddings will also be on offer.
Zoom out
Across Australia, interest in local products is rising as shoppers look for items with meaning and origin. The Bush Christmas Exhibition reflects that trend by offering a direct link between makers and buyers.
What to look for next
Shoppers can expect steady updates across the exhibition’s Facebook page as the event nears and as featured makers are highlighted.