It's the life-changing hashtag that has boosted rural businesses suffering in this insidious drought.
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What started as a hashtag on social media showcasing a few local retailers in the Warren district has now grown into a trending phenomenon that is connecting city consumers to rural retailers.
When The Land first reported on the @buyfromthebush campaign on November 7 it had 80,000 followers on Instagram and 85,000 on Facebook.
Now it respectively has 136,000 and 137,000 followers on social media.
For Laura Noonan from The Beauty Room at Warren the @buyfromthebush campaign had changed her business overnight.
"The Beauty Room is a little haven for rural women in my local area providing beauty treatments, fashion, homewares, gifts and as a result of the drought my business from suffering terribly," Miss Noonan said.
But after the launch of @buyfromthebush, Miss Noonan said she had inquiries from all over Australia.
"There is a buzz again in my shop, it's exciting to go to work," she said.
"It has been so good for morale on every level, the sense of isolation has shifted. It's a win win for everyone.
"I come from a farming family and it is truly heart-warming for them to see the positive connection this campaign has created between the city and the bush.
"There is hope again knowing people genuinely care."
Stay in the bush
The brainchild behind the campaign Grace Brennan has also created the @stayinthebush page to get people traveling to regional centres.
It includes stays like Faraway Domes - luxury dome accommodation created by graziers Jamie and Belinda Munsie.
Set on the Munsie's 9000 acre working beef and sheep property at Warialda, @farawaydomes offers guest first-class comfort with minimal carbon footprint.
Like most graziers in the north west, the Munsies have experienced the driest conditions in 100 years and knew they had to diversify their farming operation to safeguard the future of their family's property.
"The dry conditions have taken a toll on the district, but this project has brought our family together at one of the toughest times in our history on the property. It's also provided a good distraction from the dry conditions and given our family hope for the future," Belinda said.
It features a luxurious king size four poster bed, open plan living and kitchen area, private bathroom and four-meter high elevated deck with outdoor bath, the result is unlike anything the region has seen before.
"We have such a beautiful region and we're really excited to showcase this to visitors interested in escaping to the country and connecting with nature," Belinda said.
What our readers said
The Land put a call out to our readers on Facebook to share their favourite local shop. This is what they said:
Charlie Begg: Yum Yum - Where Does it Come from? I am tagging you in this - I need to get on and buy a book for some two year old and below nephews. I can't even remember how you fell on my so called door step - other than to say it has been a handy thing to have
Natalie Myers: The Gift Closet in Macquarie Street, Dubbo. They have a great shop and do online too.
Sally Falkiner: The Moree Gallery, The Beauty Room and Brads Wear, Warren, Mink and Me in Coonamble, Petals and Seeds in Walgett, Jade Boutique, Dubbo, TexasJane, Wagga.
Joan Lynch: Ruby Maine Dubbo - beautiful clothes, accessories and home decor items.
Susie Burns: Support a Country Music Artist whose family are genuine farmers Roo and Sue Arcus.
Patsy Barton: Gumnuts(Cobar).Country Simplicity (Cobar)Brilliams (Cobar).Much more in Cobar as well
Patricia Williams: Country Elegance Giftware, Coolah
Noelene Jones: One Day Closer to Rain ( Drought ) Rural Cottage Crafts. New site helping rural farmers on drought.
Glenda Keel: Burrell's bazaar.. Manilla Brilliant
Derek Beveridge: Dinky dy dogs eyes...at dunnedoo or narromine pies....mmmmm..
Fiona Browning: My Favourite gift shop is Treat it Naturally , it is in Corryong Victoria
Jen Armstrong:Gateway Dunedoo
Trish Stabback: Ewetwoondandaloo in Trangie
Janet Gittoes: Ginger & Gelato Trading Co , Cowra
Shan Payten-McDonald: The Shearer's Wife
Rob McCutcheon: I might be a tad biased but The Studio in Trangie. Just need a few mates from the USA get behind this "save yourself in the drought" initiative and put a bit of Aussie in your patch this Christmas.
Journalist based on the Mid North Coast for The Land.
Journalist based on the Mid North Coast for The Land.
