Often, as an individual, it is hard to know how to help farmers and the many regional Australians coping with one of the worst droughts in living memory.

A new movement is sweeping the internet and is providing a way for Australians to give and do their Christmas shopping at the same time.

Recently, social media pages including ‘Go Country for Christmas’ and #BuyFromTheBush have been launched.

#BuyFromTheBush was created with the intention to spread the word about beautiful boutiques and wares from small bush communities.

The Instagram page features accessories, art and other products from small rural communities and has grown rapidly as more Australians look to support local businesses.

‘Go Country for Christmas’ was launched by the NSW Government with Liberal Senator for NSW, Hollie Hughes, calling for Australians to ‘think outside the box’ when buying Christmas presents.

“The internet allows us to purchase our present from anywhere!” Mrs Hughes said.

“We don’t need to buy from the usual suspects, just go to gocountryforchristmas.com.au and get the same thing that you had in mind but buy it from a small regional business”

“These businesses mainly exist because of the agriculture around them and when drought is devastating the land, we need to think laterally about other ways to support rural and regional economies and this is a very effective way to do that,” Mrs Hughes said.

With Christmas just around the corner, now is the time to plan gifts for your family, friends and loved ones this year. Make sure to check out ‘Go Country for Christmas’ and #BuyFromTheBush and support a farmer in drought this Christmas.