30 Years of Bush Christmas – Celebrating Rural Creativity
The Bush Christmas Exhibition began in 1996 with a simple idea—to create a larger platform for talented rural artisans to share their work with a wider audience. One of the founders, Liz McClymont, had previously been involved with Outback Creations in Cunnamulla—a local initiative where artisans from Western Queensland sold their handmade work. Recognising the need for a larger platform to connect bush makers with a wider audience, Liz and three others established Bush Christmas in Toowoomba.
Among the founders of Outback Creations was Wendy Allen, who is now the organiser of Bush Christmas. At the time, both Liz and Wendy lived on properties near Cunnamulla and had children enrolled in the same School of Distance Education class - connections that helped spark a lasting collaboration.
Liz led Bush Christmas for 25 years, growing it into a much-loved event that gave regional makers the opportunity to grow in confidence, refine their skills and reach new customers. Wendy began supporting Liz with marketing and logistics in 2015 and took over the event in 2022, continuing the vision of celebrating and supporting rural and regional artisans.
Today, Bush Christmas welcomes thousands of visitors each year and showcases a remarkable collection of handmade gifts and gourmet delights - many of which find their way across Australia and beyond.
Among the founders of Outback Creations was Wendy Allen, who is now the organiser of Bush Christmas. At the time, both Liz and Wendy lived on properties near Cunnamulla and had children enrolled in the same School of Distance Education class - connections that helped spark a lasting collaboration.
Liz led Bush Christmas for 25 years, growing it into a much-loved event that gave regional makers the opportunity to grow in confidence, refine their skills and reach new customers. Wendy began supporting Liz with marketing and logistics in 2015 and took over the event in 2022, continuing the vision of celebrating and supporting rural and regional artisans.
Today, Bush Christmas welcomes thousands of visitors each year and showcases a remarkable collection of handmade gifts and gourmet delights - many of which find their way across Australia and beyond.
