The ongoing drought is wreaking havoc on the local economy, but it hasn't stopped new businesses who are continuing to throw open their doors in Tamworth.
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Most recently, boutique giftware stores Mae and Jeune and Bungalow G have taken the plunge and set up shop in and around the CBD.
Capitalising on initiatives such as the Shop Local campaign and Buy From The Bush trend, both businesses have enjoyed early success.
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Mae and Jeune co-owner Laura McInnes said a family history in the industry inspired her to enter the business world.
"Growing up, my mum [Narelle] owned a couple of giftware shops like House and Garden , so I guess I have always been around the industry," Miss McInnes said.
"I have a background in design and recently returned from Sydney, so when the opportunity to go into business with mum came up, we jumped at it.
"After living in Sydney, I really wanted to try and bring some new designers I experienced down there to Tamworth and so far it has been really well received."
Tamworth Business Chamber executive officer Sam Rains said the role campaigns such as Buy from the Bush and Shop Local have on local businesses, should not be under estimated.
"There's no doubt we are going through a really tough time as a community," Mr Rains said.
"It's terrific to see new businesses open in our region and I think those online campaigns are really helping those new businesses get a strong footing.
"We will be doing whatever we can to support businesses going down that path."
Miss McInnes said social media was playing a key role in the marketing of the new business.
"It's been amazing to see how many people want to shop local," she said.
"In my opinion, the only reason people opt to shop online is if they can't find what they are after locally.
"Instagram has been really important because people become emotionally attached to a brand they see online.
"Honestly, there's no perfect time to open up a business and I think it's great to see a few new businesses opening up.
"There are so many creatives in Tamworth at the moment, seriously it's like a creative uprising."
Opening simultaneously in Tamworth's old bell tower, Bungalow G has also achieved early success.
Owner Gretel Vince said "collaboration between small businesses is key to long-term success".
"When we decided to open up we knew it was a tough times, but we thought it might also be a positive for the community and give them something to look forward to," Mrs Vince said.
"Laura reached out to me and has been just so supportive of us and what we are doing.
"While we are in the same market, I think taking a collaborative approach is the best way for local small businesses to support each other."
Mrs Vince said the Shop Local and Buy From The Bush campaigns had so far had a positive impact on her business.
"While we haven't had a direct impact from those campaigns, there has certainly been a trickle-down effect.
"Those campaigns are getting people to focus on shopping locally, which in the end is what it is all about."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
