As Buy From The Bush (BFTB) celebrates its first birthday and an incredibly successful year changing the lives of artists, craftspeople, retailers and makers in regional areas across the country, it has also announced the launch of its new online marketplace, sponsored by PayPal. The user-friendly new hub enables businesses in remote areas greater access to potential buyers in Australia and beyond, while also giving many vendors the ability to sell their products online for the very first time. The launch comes perfectly timed for effortless Christmas shopping by offering a safe and secure means of purchasing unique gifts online, while also supporting fellow Aussies who are doing it tough.

BFTB was launched as a social media campaign by Grace Brennan in October last year, as one of the worst droughts in living memory devastated rural communities across Australia’s east, including her hometown of Warren, NSW. In the past 12 months, the movement has been nothing short of life-changing for those living in regional towns and beyond. Not only has it brought much-needed revenue to those who could no longer rely on farm yield or foot traffic, but it’s also boosted employment opportunities, entrepreneur empowerment and of course mental health. At the tail end of a year when we could all do with a little extra help and happiness, the new online marketplace is helping to forge connections and extend a lifeline to rural Australian communities this Christmas. Check out BFTB’s quirky Christmas essentials, from a gorgeous range of handmade Christmas decorations (hello, hanging echidnas and Aussie flora tree decorations) to original greeting cards and scented candles inspired by botanicals and natives. Browse a huge directory full of fashion, homewares, art and more, or jump on to the curated gift guide to find special items like Aussie merino wool baby booties or a Support Vic gift box.