It’s Australian-Made week in May and that’s a great chance to check in on our buying habits. According to Roy Morgan, 73% of Australians are willing to buy more Australian-made products to avoid reliance on imports, with 72% willing to pay more for locally-made goods. That’s a fantastic opportunity for Aussie small businesses to capitalise on consumer sentiment.

Supporting Australian-made products and local small businesses is something that has a ripple effect across our communities, especially in regional areas. It’s more than a sale - it’s helping someone back their dreams, hire local staff, source ingredients from nearby farms, and reinvest back into the town we all call home. It’s a true circular economy.

That said, I completely understand that shopping local isn’t always the easiest or cheapest option. It can mean spending more or getting less, and it definitely takes more thought and effort than scrolling a shopping app in your pjs. But it’s also more rewarding, on both sides of the transaction. So this blog isn’t about guilt or “shoulds.” It’s a gentle invitation to think a little differently about how and where we spend. Here are a few of my favourite ways to support Australian-made, whether you're shopping for a celebration, stocking the fridge, or just picking up something special:

Start with intention
Before you reach for the familiar brands or online retailers, take a pause. Ask yourself—can I get this locally? Instead of heading straight to the shopping centre or typing a big brand name into Google, start your search with your favourite small store, local maker or Australian-owned business. If you’re not sure where to look, websites like buyfromthebush.com.au, spendwithus.com.au, and etsy.com/au are great places to browse and discover something truly unique.

Thoughtful gifting (that supports someone’s livelihood)
Shopping local means putting a bit more care into choosing gifts but it also opens up so many beautiful, creative ideas. A picnic hamper from a local providore, a handmade pot with herbs you’ve grown, a strawberry plant for the kids with a few fairy garden treasures inside - these are the kinds of gifts that feel thoughtful, cost-effective, and truly memorable.

And if you’re buying something from a bigger brand like Lego, board games, or book, consider purchasing it from your local toy store or independent bookstore instead. You might pay a few extra dollars, but you’re helping a local family stay in business (and skipping shipping delays while you're at it). They might even offer gift-wrapping in-store so it’s a win-win-win.

Eat and drink like a local
Supporting local doesn’t just apply to gifting - it’s just as important in the kitchen. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to support small businesses is through food and drink. Farmers’ markets, food co-ops, farmgate stores and local butchers are great places to find the highest quality food. The produce is fresh, seasonal and packed with flavour, and your money goes straight to the growers and producers who make our regions so special.

Live in Victoria? Try:

And if you’re grabbing a bottle of wine (or cider or gin) on the way to a dinner party, skip the supermarket and pop into your local bottle shop or cellar door. You’re more likely to find small-batch, local labels and even non-alcoholic options like etchsparkling.com.au that feel a little more special.

Experiences over excess
If you're trying to avoid “stuff” this year or just want to spend more time with the people you love, gift an experience. A cooking class, a farm stay, a voucher for a local café or wine tasting can be just as thoughtful (if not more so) than a physical gift. Plus, they support the tourism and hospitality sectors that have done it tough in recent years.

Not sure where to start? Try visitgippsland.com.au or look up your local tourism board for regional experiences near you.

Support doesn’t always mean spending
If your budget is tight, there are still powerful ways to support small and Australian-made businesses without spending a cent.

Share their posts
Tag a friend who might love their products
Leave a review
Engage with their content
Recommend them in Facebook groups

It might feel small, but these actions help boost visibility, build trust, and bring in new customers. Never underestimate the impact of a kind comment or a quick share.

So this May—as we celebrate Australian Made, I hope you’ll join me in shopping a little more consciously, celebrating our incredible local makers, and making choices that give back to the communities we love.

And if you discover a new favourite business, product or experience - tell people! Tag them, post about it, or send me a message so I can share it too. The more we spread the word, the stronger our local economy becomes.

Because supporting local is something we can feel good about every single day of the year.

A guide to supporting Australian Made and local businesses all year round

Australian marketing and social media expert for training and strategy that is smart, impactful and relevant.

A guide to supporting Australian Made and local businesses all year round

Navigating the use of the ‘Anzac’ Brand in marketing: rules, missteps, and best practices

Australian marketing and social media expert for training and strategy that is smart, impactful and relevant.