From Outback Beginnings to a Celebrated Tradition
The Bush Christmas Exhibition began in 1996, inspired by a shared passion for showcasing rural creativity. One of the founders, Liz McClymont, had been part of Outback Creations in Cunnamulla—a local initiative where artisans from Western Queensland sold their handmade works. Realising the need for a larger platform to bring bush talent to a wider audience, Liz and three others established Bush Christmas in Toowoomba.
One of the Outback Creations founders was Wendy Allen, now the organiser of Bush Christmas. Both Liz and Wendy lived on properties near Cunnamulla and had children in the same School of Distance Education class—connections that laid the groundwork for their future collaboration.
Liz led Bush Christmas for 25 years, nurturing it into a much-loved event that helped regional makers grow in confidence, skill, and reach. Wendy, who had supported Liz with the event’s marketing and logistics since 2015, took over in 2022 and continues to champion the vision of celebrating and supporting rural and regional artisans.
Today, Bush Christmas draws thousands of visitors each year and showcases a remarkable collection of handmade gifts and gourmet delights—many of which find their way under Christmas trees across Australia and beyond.
The Bush Christmas Exhibition began in 1996, inspired by a shared passion for showcasing rural creativity. One of the founders, Liz McClymont, had been part of Outback Creations in Cunnamulla—a local initiative where artisans from Western Queensland sold their handmade works. Realising the need for a larger platform to bring bush talent to a wider audience, Liz and three others established Bush Christmas in Toowoomba.
One of the Outback Creations founders was Wendy Allen, now the organiser of Bush Christmas. Both Liz and Wendy lived on properties near Cunnamulla and had children in the same School of Distance Education class—connections that laid the groundwork for their future collaboration.
Liz led Bush Christmas for 25 years, nurturing it into a much-loved event that helped regional makers grow in confidence, skill, and reach. Wendy, who had supported Liz with the event’s marketing and logistics since 2015, took over in 2022 and continues to champion the vision of celebrating and supporting rural and regional artisans.
Today, Bush Christmas draws thousands of visitors each year and showcases a remarkable collection of handmade gifts and gourmet delights—many of which find their way under Christmas trees across Australia and beyond.
