Rural revenue

14/06/2020

Are you able to now operate in light of restrictions lifting and need help to let people know you are open for business? Wanting to rebrand or invest in marketing? Then check out , a Graphic Design, Marketing, and Brand agency based in Orange NSW. It is run by Claire Fox who specialises in brand architecture as well as the design of print materials, social media and digital media. She is truly passionate about achieving great results for her clients.
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“I have been working in the Marketing, Brand and Design industries for over 20 years but has just turned two.
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With the cancellation or postponement of many events several of my projects have been cancelled or put on hold.
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The financial impact of Covid-19 has been fairly significant. Clients are reluctant to proceed with projects with all that is unknown and having suffered financially themselves so business has been quiet, I'm keeping occupied though!
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I'm trying to stay positive and remember that there is always a silver lining to every situation.
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I think there are a lot of opportunities for businesses that are willing to be agile and take opportunities when they arise. I'm looking for opportunities in spaces where I can use my skills to help other businesses adapt to the current situation, using the design of graphics and marketing to get their message out.
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The best way you can support the community as a whole right now is to always think before spending - is there a local business that can benefit from your purchase instead of spending it elsewhere? I'm trying to buy locally wherever I can and I'd love others to try and do the same. We've got such a fabulous creative community in Orange and it's a bit heartbreaking when we see locals going to Sydney and the like for services that are readily available here.”
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If you are a local business who is keen to see results, invest in getting your brand and print materials out there then, reach out to . Enable this youthful local business to drive their , deliver quality outcomes for you and your business and support another fabulous organisation here in the Central West!
📷 by @ Orange, New South Wales

24/05/2020

Kristy Smyth is the owner of , a boutique salon the heart of Orange, NSW. Kristy specialises in makeup and kids pamper parties but offers all forms of beauty services from waxing, tanning, tinting and relaxation treatments.
“Like all other salons I was forced to close my salon at the end of March, which at the time was devasting! There was so much uncertainty at how long it was going to last and where our money was going to come from and being a serviced based business, unfortunately I was not yet established for online sales.
I was forced to do the best I could and have managed to sell and deliver some gift lines and gift vouchers for Mother’s Day.
I am missing my clients terribly but am also enjoying some time with my family and time to reflect on my business and work out what my priorities are and the parts of my life I want to go back to once this is all over. In such a negative time I have also enjoyed finding new ways to connect with people and the sense of community and support living in a small town.”
From June 1st Kristy at can now officially reopen! Contact Kristy for all your beauty needs for a wax, tan, tint, relaxation treatment or pamper party to enjoy as soon as the restrictions are lifted.
Photography by
@ Orange, New South Wales

21/05/2020

Get your glasses ready so you can celebrate, as we have drawn the Nominate a Nurse giveaway, which featured across Instagram and Facebook where the prize winners receive a gorgeous gift box from .
Congratulations to Taryn Theobald a Nurse who is working in the front line in QLD, who was nominated by on Instragram. Taryn you are the winner of the: The Sweetest Thing gift box featuring: Meeraboo Salted Caramel Soy Candle handmade in Canowindra, Spencer Cocoa Milk Chocolate Bar made in Mudgee, Spencer Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar made in Mudgee AND The White Wine by Philip Shaw and this gift box featuring: A beautifully presented local Philip Shaw No.19 Sauvignon Blanc which is a crowd favourite here in Orange, NSW.
And our other prize winners Nurse Warner who was nominated by Maree on Facebook and Nurse Solling who was nominated by Sarah Powell on Facebook. Both Mattaty and Angela will who both receive the: Just Because gift box featuring: Local See Saw Prosecco in a Piccolo size perfect for one and Rinnaldi Hazelnut & Orange blossom nougat made from locally grown hazelnuts.
Thank you to those who nominated and demonstrated your support for our Nurses. And again thank you to our Nurses for your unwavering compassion, support, professionalism and dedication.

@ Orange, New South Wales

17/05/2020

is a wedding and event florist servicing regional NSW. What is inspiring is how Catherine is utilising this time to be creative and find enjoyment in her floral artistry in her down time. Her arrangements are beautiful and distinctive, with the emphasis being on locally grown foliage and flowers.
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“Whilst I love the whole process of planning florals for a wedding or event, installations really make my heart sing. My business has gradually evolved after a month in London studying floristry, a little over 3 years ago.
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I have been quite fortunate in that Covid-19 has resulted in postponements, not cancellations, of the Autumn weddings that I had booked in. However, this has resulted in very itchy secateurs fingers, so I have been taking the opportunity to trial new ideas - which hopefully will benefit my Spring brides!
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The flowers featured in the first two photos of this branch installation were repurposed from a postponed wedding. They were originally intended for the bridal party flowers, but ended up on this branch on a tree beside our little creek.
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For the following install I was inspired by the beautiful autumn foliage about at the moment, as well as the dahlias from my garden that went nuts after we had some beautiful rain, and very welcome cooler weather.
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The third photo holds a special place in my heart, as it was the first wedding I did post London, and it was for the wedding of our eldest son.
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I'm very lucky to live on a working sheep station, so financially I'm ok, just restless creatively.”
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Check out Catherine’s stunning florals at where she showcases her passion for all things floral. @ Orange, New South Wales

16/05/2020

professionally manages properties in our region as short-term rentals, on all the major platforms including their own BookOrange.com.au
“I’ve been in operation for almost 2 years, but this is my first year out alone. Like many business in Orange, we have experienced a severe number of cancellations and loss in bookings for the months of March and April, May... continued.
Due to the travel restrictions, we don’t have many bookings moving forward. Many of our staff that rely on homes to clean, are out of work. We’re plugging away but it’s not great.
I am feeling a little anxious, but optimistic that things may change and people will soon be able to start travelling and be itching to get out of Sydney.
As a result of this crisis we have worked very hard to recently launch our own booking platform BookOrange.com.au. In 2019 Airbnb received $1.6million in the form of service fees from bookings made in Orange, which makes me feel ill. Book Orange doesn’t send service fees overseas and supports the community by directing our guests to local businesses.
Book Orange will always be cheaper than any other platform. Call us directly so we can find you the most suitable option.
Soon our guests will be able to book add on services directly through Book Orange such as babysitters, wine tours and grazing platters upon arrival.
Please encourage your friends and family to book through Book Orange for their next visit. If anyone is looking at short term Property management, please contact us for a free property appraisal. The numbers we’re making for our homeowners might shock you.”
In the interim please do check out BookOrange.com.au. Utilise this website to book accommodation in our colour city, support this fabulous community focussed Orange business whilst driving and keep it local.
@ Orange, New South Wales

13/05/2020

Nominate a Nurse. Here at we want to recognise the unwavering compassion, support, professionalism and dedication from our incredible nurses. We would like you to nominate a deserving nurse to go into the draw to win a box as a gesture of our thanks to our nurses for all that you do.
Nominate a nurse via comments below, you can nominate as many times as you like. 1 lucky winner will receive “The Sweetest Thing” and a “Philip Shaw White Wine” gift box and two runners up will each receive “A Just Because” gift box. Delivery within Australia only. Nominations will be accepted until midnight Wednesday 20th May 2020 with the prizes drawn at 9.00am Thursday 21st May 2020.
The Sweetest Thing Gift Box features: Meeraboo Salted Caramel Soy Candle handmade in Canowindra, Spencer Cocoa Milk Chocolate Bar made in Mudgee, Spencer Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar made in Mudgee
The White Wine Philip Shaw
features: A beautifully presented local Philip Shaw No.19 Sauvignon Blanc which is a crowd favourite and sure to be enjoyed by your giftee.
Just Because gift box features: Local See Saw Prosecco in a Piccolo size perfect for one and Rinnaldi Hazelnut & Orange blossom nougat made from locally grown hazelnuts
Photography by for
@ Orange, New South Wales

10/05/2020

What a privilege to partner alongside so many talented and local suppliers, showcasing our support and passion for our couples and the wedding industry here in Central West, NSW.
Stay safe, stay at home and take care x

10/05/2020

To all the mums, soon to be mums, those missing their mums, the want nothing more than to be mums, and the non traditional mums.
I hope this photo from Cook Park, Orange NSW brings you relaxation, gratitude, positive memories, hope and comfort today.
With love and support from our beautiful colour city. X

08/05/2020

Looking for last minute Mother’s Day gifts? Then look no further than Bella Spazio in Orange, NSW. If you purchase a gift voucher for Mother’s Day, you can go in the draw to win the Ultimate Staycation valued at $690! Bella Spazio are open today from 10am – 1pm Saturday 9th May, for gift vouchers, skincare and makeup needs.
“I took over Bella Spazio in 2006, so will celebrate my 14th birthday there in October. Bella Spazio consists of a dedicated and passionate team of therapists who all love, care and respect our clients just like they are part of the family. At Bella Spazio, we offer beautiful skin treatments, day spa experiences and beauty treatments in tranquil surroundings where you can relax your body, mind and soul.
We have been impacted by Covid-19 greatly when on 25th March; we were forced to close our business due to government regulations. My team and myself were heartbroken that we couldn’t do what we loved everyday. Everything was uncertain and we don’t know how long this is for.
We are feeling very positive and utilising this time to do all the things we don’t normally have time to do and focusing on education to continue to ensure we are offering our best.
We are now offering online virtual skin consultations to maintain and meet client skin needs. We are utilising our online shop more and have created "at home retreat packages" and offering a personalised free home delivery in the Orange area.
We have an amazing Mother’s day package specially created with a chance to win the Ultimate Mum Staycation. We would love everyone to visit our online store and spoil Mum with our Mother’s Day pamper package gift voucher.”
Let’s support Lisa and her team at Bella Spazio. Whether it’s purchasing something for mum or yourself to enjoy when they can officially open their doors again.

@ Orange, New South Wales

04/05/2020

.Fashion is fabulous family fashion business in Bathurst, NSW situated in the heart of Keppel St. Mother/Daughter team; Jean and Amelia design their own women’s wear label which is proudly manufactured locally in Bathurst.
“Diversity Fashion also stocks many other Australian labels, both in-store and online. We are called Diversity because we believe fashion should be for everyone regardless of age, size or culture. Therefore we offer regular and plus-sizes in our clothing. We have been in Keppel St for over 5 years. Our online shop can be found at diversityfashion.com.au
Covid-19 came as a shock to all of us and we closed our boutique for 2 weeks. For the last few weeks we have reopened strictly implementing all government and health regulations. We have diversified our product range to include facemasks, which we make locally in Bathurst and sell both through the shop and online. This has been a huge benefit to our customers and has been well received in our community.
Business is less than usual due customers staying at home. We are currently very active on social media and online. We are offering promotions both in store and online. In-store: buy 1 get 1 half price. Online: 25% off (prices marked).”
So if you are looking to refresh your wardrobe whilst supporting local business then take up the great offer of buy 1 get 1 half price! Mother’s day is just around the corner and you could grab something for mum and yourself too! Or if you’d prefer to stay in the comfort of your own home and shop online enjoy 25% off (prices marked)fashion diversityfashion.com.au

.fashion @ Bathurst, New South Wales

30/04/2020

28/04/2020

Café Connect is a social enterprise cafe which assists people with disabilities to achieve hospitality skills required to gain employment within the community. Headed by chef Jamie Stewart, Café Connect has been driving better social outcomes for many of Orange’s disadvantaged since 2016.

“We employ two of our clients with a disability within the café, Izzy our barista and Jade our kitchen all-rounder on a permanent basis. We run a cooking for one program assisting the elderly. As a Chef I take great pride in implementing this program as it has been met with great support both within LiveBetter and the wider community. This program has enabled elderly residents of Orange to socialise and make new friends through common interests.

What a devastating impact Covid-19 has had on the hospitality industry. For us at Café Connect this has meant that all the staff and over 100 clients that are usually at the complex no longer come; most of them would get coffee, cakes and lunch from us. Clients would see us daily and we had special café visit days which are sadly no longer held. Many social groups such as mothers’ groups, yoga classes and exercise groups have been cancelled and our indoor play area closed. We relied a lot on these gatherings that came to Café Connect. Sadly I've had to reduce the hours of staff because of lack of trade, and cut the café hours accordingly.

Financially we have lost about 70% in our takings which has been a massive hit and made a substantial difference to how we currently operate.

We have started to offer delivery at no extra cost or minimal charge. We are also focusing internally to deliver our service to our housing clients in Orange and to our amazing front line staff. We now offer Wednesday dinners in family size portions and individual serves. Daily deals are featured on our FaceBook page: LiveBetter Cafe Connect and Connection Hub.

The hardest thing I have found is getting the word out to the wider community we are here and that our cafe is for everyone not JUST LiveBetter staff and clients!”

Let’s show Jamie some love and support by ordering from Café Connect and letting people know they are still trading. @ Orange, New South Wales

25/04/2020

Australian Veteran, Returned Service Nurse and Descendant of the ANZACS Sharon Bown delivered a powerful ANZAC Call to Remembrance today.

Please watch her address on SMH search Sharon Bown Anzac address or view link
https://www.smh.com.au/national/anzac-day-address-on-behalf-of-veterans-20200425-p54n4t.html

21/04/2020

is a local photographer based in Orange NSW. She shoots everything from newborns, maternity, weddings to families. This is her reality right now…
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“I started my business In December 2018, around about a month before I was due with my first child. I always had a huge interest in photography and thought it was a great time to start this journey with my new little one. This allowed me to be a stay at home Mum and also do something I had a deep passion for.
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Since Covid-19, I’ve had cancelations and bookings are non-existent at the moment, as people are just scared. The financial impact is a massive one as if no one is booking or even buying gift vouchers, I don’t make anything, which impacts my family… I’m feeling really stressed.
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I want people to know that they can still obtain photos during this time and that they shouldn’t be scared to.
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The best way to support me right now is to buy vouchers. I have Mother’s Day gift voucher specials going at the moment. $100 Unlimited Edited images via online gallery for a 30 minute session. $80 for 25 edited images via online gallery for a 30 minute session.”
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Let’s show Courtney Walker Photography some love and encouragement. Don’t forget to take up her great Mother’s Day offers available right now. As you will be assisting a local business, provide her with some to enable her to continue to her passion and support her family all whilst obtaining some wonderful photos.


https://www.facebook.com/courtneywalkerphotography1/

https://www.courtneywalkerphotography.net @ Orange, New South Wales

13/04/2020

Let’s flatten the curve NOT Australian small business. You can customise this post to support your local community / suburb / industry simply by following the steps below;
1. Screenshot the image on image 2
2. Post onto your Instagram or Facebook and update the location to support your local community / suburb / industry
3. Stay at home so we can flatten this curve

@ Orange, New South Wales

12/04/2020

The Easter Bunny looks a little different out here🦘.
Happy Easter everyone.

11/04/2020

Yup he is the “sure no worries” guy. Who is your partner?

09/04/2020

is a mobile makeup artist and hair stylist operating all over the Central West NSW. She specialises in weddings, special occasions and films. Haley also offers beauty services such as spray tanning, waxing and tinting, manicures and pedicures with gel polish via her home studio in Orange NSW. This is her reality right now…

“I started my business back in May of 2015, I was a young 18 year old that had a huge passion for makeup and business.

Sadly I have lost my main source of income. I usually have weddings every week and unfortunately all my couples have had to postpone their wedding dates. My heart aches for them! I was almost booked out for 2020 so now trying to find available dates for all couples is really difficult. It’s so upsetting when I cant fit them in and be a part of their special day.

Right now I am getting there day by day :) I really miss working with my beautiful clients and wedding vendor mates!

My makeup workshops have been extremely popular over the years so I thought taking them online would be a great idea. I’m now offering online makeup workshops over video chat in the comfort of your own home. This is the perfect time to learn something new. Imagine how good your makeup will look at your first event after isolation!

These personal makeup lessons go for 1.5hrs and usually cost AUD$70, but if you book your workshop before 30th April it’s only AUD$55! They’re for all ages and skill levels. The lesson will be personalised to your lifestyle and what you would like to learn. I will be teaching how to use the products in your makeup bag and recommending products if you need to add them to your routine. I have seen over the years that many people have makeup that they don’t know how to use, so I want you to get your moneys worth and show you the correct way to apply it!

The best way to support my business at the moment would be to purchase an online makeup workshop or to buy a gift voucher to use when I’m back up and running. You can get in contact with me via Facebook and Instagram

Let’s show some love and support and purchasing a workshop or voucher! @ Orange, New South Wales