Making Christmas count for flood-ravaged bush businesses
These bush businesses are going to Sydney, even if they have to kayak their way there
These bush businesses are going to Sydney, even if they have to kayak their way there
In flood ravaged parts of Australia, there’s a common refrain, says Buy From the Bush founder, Grace Brennan.
“The community sentiment has been the same: that they would take the rain over the drought any day,” she says.
But that positive spin on weather events that have devastated regional communities is starting to wear thin. And rural businesses need all the support they can get right now.
Based on a farm in the NSW town of Warren, 120km west of Dubbo, Ms Brennan started Buy From the Bush as an Instagram account in October 2019 to connect city dwellers with small businesses in drought-stricken regional areas. The idea was to create second income streams for farming families, as well as creating new markets for regional businesses who were trying to maintain an income in communities with considerably less disposable cash.
The response surprised everyone, as BFTB garnered more than 450,000 followers across Facebook and Instagram and city shoppers voted with their wallets, providing additional income, as well as hope and support, to struggling communities. Since launching, $10 million has been generated for small businesses in rural Australia as savvy shoppers seek fashion, homewares, jewellery, skincare and more.
Three years later, the source of the crisis is different, but the need is greater than ever, as farms and businesses try to deal with widespread damage and isolation.
In Ms Brennan’s case, Warren and the surrounding region have been experiencing heavy rainfalls which have flooded the Macquarie River, isolating communities and individual families for weeks or even months
“We have not had a bus running since July,” she said.
But she’s quick to point out that many are dealing with much worse.
Throughout recent years, many in regional communities have tried to maintain a positive mindset. That’s getting a harder proposition as areas are repeatedly inundated with water.
“The attitude until recently was stoicism and optimism because rain presents opportunity for next year (for sowing crops),” she said.
“But the more it goes on, the more I see that same feeling from the drought. What the flood brings that the drought did not is constant disruption. You can’t access roads and people can’t get into town.”
The impacts of being cut off from town are felt across the community. Where the floods have swept through the main business district, businesses have struggled to reopen, while access to services like the post office have made filling online orders difficult. Maintaining a sense of normality for families has been hard.
“Parents are thinking about how to get their kids to school,” Ms Brennan said. “At the moment, for me it would be a 400km round trip to get my kids there for drop off and pick up (to avoid flooded roads). So you plan differently. You know you’ll be in town for the day on those days.”
At the same time, Ms Brennan said many are aware that there are others in regional communities doing it tougher this time round.
“With the drought, we were in this shared experience,” she said. “But with the floods, there’s a spectrum of impact, and how much debt each farmer is carrying. Some people have big loans because they were expecting an enormous crop and prices are amazing.
“It’s devastating because you can see that crop, you can touch it. But it’s flooded.”
Next month, 20 creators, makers and designers from regional areas will be making the journey to Sydney for a Christmas market at The Rocks on December 9 and 10. Some will find the trip harder than others.
“Some who are coming to the Christmas market will be kayaking out or taking a dinghy out and relying on friends,” she said.
Stallholders will be travelling from Molong, Condobolin, Dubbo, Warren, Minja, Narromine and Quambone, among other towns.
The market will also host An Hour for Eugowra, a live auction to raise funds for the small town positioned between Forbes and Orange in the NSW Central West. Eugowra was completed flooded last week by a volume of water from Mandagery Creek that left the town looking, in the words of mayor Kevin Beatty, like a bomb had gone off.
Not everyone will be able to make it to the Sydney market. Ms Brennan urged shoppers to consider Buy From the Bush businesses this Christmas. There are more than 185 creators, makers and designers to choose from.
“It’s a longer term commitment,” she said. “We need small businesses to be robust enough to survive these downturns.”
Early indications from several big regional real-estate boards suggest March was overall another down month.
Art can transform more than just walls—it shapes mood, evokes memory, and elevates the everyday. Discover how thoughtfully curated interiors can become living expressions of personal meaning and refined luxury, from sculptural furniture to bespoke murals.
Art can transform more than just walls—it shapes mood, evokes memory, and elevates the everyday. Discover how thoughtfully curated interiors can become living expressions of personal meaning and refined luxury, from sculptural furniture to bespoke murals.
Art can transform more than just walls—it shapes mood, evokes memory, and elevates the everyday. Discover how thoughtfully curated interiors can become living expressions of personal meaning and refined luxury, from sculptural furniture to bespoke murals.
Imagine a hushed hospital corridor, its sterile walls awash in the glow of flickering fluorescent lights. In that unexpected moment, a solitary Monet painting emerged—a luminous tableau of delicate lilies dancing in quiet defiance.
As the clinical austerity yielded to the graceful presence of art, this single work transformed into a vessel of solace and hope amid overwhelming uncertainty.
That moment continues to resonate with me—a vivid reminder that art transcends mere aesthetics to become a profound catalyst for emotional healing and inspiration. It is this transformative experience that fuels my passion as a biophilic interior designer.
I create environments where every element, from bespoke murals to sculptural installations, harnesses art’s power to elevate the human spirit, spark creativity, and enrich lives. Let us journey together into the world of luxurious interiors that define modern elegance.
At its core, art is a daily ritual that renews both mind and spirit. Scientific research consistently confirms that nature-inspired art reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and kindles creativity.
The simple act of beholding a tranquil landscape or a subtle floral motif transforms your space into a private retreat, offering solace amidst a hectic world.
In my practice, I meticulously select artworks chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their potent, therapeutic benefits.
Each piece serves as daily inspiration—a quiet invitation to experience calm and well-being. For example, our Hilton project demonstrates how hospitality resorts integrate nature-inspired art not only for its visual impact but also as a medium of healing; here, a collaboration with a local artist produced a masterful installation that functions both as a statement piece and a source of well-being.
Luxury design is profoundly personal. Bespoke art transcends mass-produced décor by capturing your unique story—whether through a custom mural reminiscent of your favourite botanical garden or silk wallpapers that evoke the allure of exotic landscapes.
Each personalised creation turns your walls into a living narrative of cherished memories and distinctive taste. Consider how a thoughtfully designed space can reflect your individuality and elevate your living experience.
Art is not confined to two dimensions. Three-dimensional sculptural works bring vitality to interiors by adding depth, texture, and tactile allure.
Picture a gracefully sculpted piece—a marble table echoing the gentle rhythm of ocean waves or a repurposed bronze branch serving as an elegant room divider.
Such statement sculptures command attention while seamlessly integrating form with function and providing a natural conversation starter in any refined space.
A truly sophisticated home elegantly merges art with architecture. Imagine a residence where bespoke staircases curve with elegance, where hand-carved wooden doors evoke the intricate beauty of nature, and where expansive windows frame breathtaking vistas.
In these spaces, every architectural detail contributes to a cohesive canvas of artistic expression. As you envision your own home, consider how your surroundings can be thoughtfully designed to reflect both beauty and purpose.
In luxury interiors, even the functional becomes exceptional through artful design. Consider a one-of-a-kind, hand-carved pink marble swivel chair—a masterpiece where practicality meets refined craftsmanship.
More than just a piece of furniture, this chair sparks conversation and serves as an emblem of creative innovation and exclusivity.
Let this be a symbol of how every element in your home might reflect your dedication to exquisite artistry.
In an age defined by rapid technological advancement, digital art installations offer a contemporary twist on traditional forms.
High-resolution displays now present dynamic landscapes—a cascade of waterfalls, the quiet majesty of a forest, or a serene digital ocean vista—that adapt and evolve with your environment.
This modern element seamlessly aligns cutting-edge technology with timeless aesthetics, ensuring your space remains as innovative as it is elegant.
Luxury is often revealed in the details: the textures, colours, and fabrics that together create a haven of understated splendour.
Bespoke silk cushions with intricate botanical embroidery, sumptuous velvet throws that evoke tropical charm, and bedding that mirrors the ethereal beauty of cloudscapes all contribute to an atmosphere of refined elegance and comfort.
Every tactile detail is chosen to evoke warmth and stand as a testament to your taste for excellence.
In the realm of luxury, tradition and modernity exist in perfect harmony. Integrating timeless antiques—such as a rare Vladimir Kagan couch or a coveted Hans Wegner chair—with contemporary design creates a dialogue that honours both heritage and innovation.
These storied pieces carry with them a legacy of masterful craftsmanship, adding layers of significance and depth to your living environment. They remind us that true elegance is built upon a foundation of enduring quality.
Ultimately, art is the language through which you express your unique legacy.
Every carefully chosen piece reflects a part of your personal journey, turning your living space into a narrative as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning.
It imbues your environment with memories, aspirations, and the essence of who you are—a living masterpiece that evolves with time.
Reflect on how these elements might not only beautify your home but also stand as timeless expressions of your personal story.
Now is the moment to immerse yourself fully in the joy of art. Elevate your surroundings and transform your residence into your greatest masterpiece.
Your heart, your legacy, and your space deserve nothing less than extraordinary artistry.
Ozge Fettahlioglu is the founder of Cocoplum | Biophilic Design Studio and Boxareno | Custom Modular Constructions. A wellness and biophilic design leader, she creates bespoke spaces that inspire, heal, and elevate daily living. Ozge is also a board member of Biophilic Cities Australia.
Rising along the line where eastern and western Europe divide, a forested mountain range is home to shepherds, villages and plenty of bears.
Arta, a wealth-management startup, is using mobile apps and AI tools to reach young millionaires.