Support for bush businesses thrives
MORE than 100 city folk packed in to more than 30 cars will convoy from Sydney to regional NSW to do their Christmas shopping next month.
The DIJONES Drought Drive, an initiative created by the city-based real estate agency, is a threeday event which aims to support drought-affected businesses and communities by pumping cash into the regional economy.
DIJONES CEO Robb Ward said the idea stemmed from some of his staff members who grew up in the central west region and suggested the company do something to give back.
“What we are saying to people is this Christmas season is ‘let’s redirect and inject our resources and our funds into areas that need it the most’,” Mr Ward told
“Instead of sending hampers purchased from Pitt Street in Sydney, we decided to convoy our team through regional NSW to shop, eat and spend locally in businesses that are struggling in the midst of the drought.”
Leaving from Sydney on Sunday, December 8, the convoy will be split into two groups and travel as far west as Walgett before heading back to the big smoke the following Tuesday.
Other towns on the itinerary include Dubbo, Wellington, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Warren, Trangie and Narromine.
Mr Ward said he already has his own list for the regional shopping spree sorted.
“I have three boys and they are into their sports, so I’ll be looking for lots of sports equipment that I can bring back for their Christmas presents,” he said.
“But even just small things like wrapping paper and cards, even if people are buying alcoholic gifts that you might give out, there’s no reason why you can’t buy from the regional towns and have it delivered to your home.”
The DIJONES Drought Drive comes as the Buy from the Bush social media campaign continues to gain traction around the country.
Starting out as an Instagram page profiling local boutiques and wares from small bush communities, the account accumulated over 100,000 followers in just four weeks.
Sophia Acheson, the co-founder of Klou Boutique in Macquarie Street, said the Buy from the Bush campaign came at the right time.
“We have definitely felt support off the back of the Buy from the
The DIJONES Drought Drive will see staff from the Sydney real estate agency heading to the bush to do their Christmas shopping.
Bush campaign, it’s really opened us up and we have gained a bit more exposure to what we normally would through new followers on Instagram and Facebook,” she said.
“Retail has been struggling for quite a while and the drought certainly has added to that.
“As a result, our foot traffic from locals just hasn’t been there, but our online sales have definitely increased, and we are probably doing a bit more online that what we are physically in store at the moment.”
On top of the excursion, which anyone can join, DIJONES has this week released an e-catalogue featuring almost 200 regional businesses from 43 regional towns. The catalogue features rural boutiques, artists, accommodation, markets and cafes from Dubbo and surrounding towns.