Bushfires & Drought

Like any natural disaster there is a long road to recovery ahead for those impacted by recent bushfires.

As areas are deemed safe to return and visit, we encourage you to look at initiatives that have been created to stimulate local economies, in particular small businesses, which have been affected by drought and bushfires. 

​Buy from the Bush (and flow on initiatives like Stay in the Bush, associated programs like Buy Regional, and Facebook Groups like One Day Closer to Rain - Rural Cottage Crafts, Buy from a Bush Business, and Shopping in the Country) all shine a light on drought affected rural and regional businesses. 

Spend with Them via Turia Pitt is encouraging us all to help rebuild towns and businesses affected by fire. Businesses are featured on their Instagram account. 

Empty Esky encourages us to take a pledge - to visit a fire affected town with my Empty Esky. To fill up my car there. To visit there with my Empty Esky. To plan my next holiday and invest in local businesses and enjoy local produce, local goods and local adventures! 

So go with an empty esky, buy from the bush and spend with them! 


June 2020 Update: Budget Direct reached out to share an article of 5 road trips to bushfire affected communities. We can definitely recommend the Blue Mountains to Bateman's Bay drive as we took that route in November last year (before the fire) and there's so many hidden gems to discover!