As drought conditions for some farmers worsen, members of the community are looking for ways to help.
After the recent State government’s $500 million emergency drought relief package announcement to ease the burden on struggling farmers, the Gloucester Advocate put a call out on Facebook to see what the community was doing to help.
The post was asking anyone who was organsing goods drop off or fundraisers in the Gloucester region, to let the Gloucester Advocate know in order to help spread the word.
Here are a few responses so far:
Gemma Harris responded to say that June’s Place in Gloucester was calling for any donations of non-perishable goods for farmers in need.
“Donations of canned food, toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes, shampoo, male and female personal hygiene products, even packs of water would be gratefully appreciated,” Gemma wrote.
“All donations can be left at June’s Place corner of Church and Denison Street between the hours of 9am – 3pm Monday to Friday.”
June’s Place, along with the Gloucester Lions Club, will also be holding a barbecue on Saturday, August 4 from 10am to 1pm out front of the cafe to raise money for the Lion’s project ‘Need for Feed’, which buys hay for farmers. The barbecue is also supported by Hebby’s Bakery, Darrel’s Gourmet Butchery and Lovey’s IGA.
Hayley Martin responded to say she was in the process of setting up a goods drop off point in Stroud.
She’s collecting for ‘The Little Juddies Aussie Farmers Drought Relief Appeal 2018’ which delivers goods to Drought Angels. Items can be dropped off at Genesis Park Equestrian Supplies, 2 Urquharts Lane, Stroud. For a list of what can be donated, visit The Little Juddies Facebook page.
Tonia Channon responded to let people know that National Australia Bank (NAB) is taking monetary donations for the CWA of NSW Drought Aid to allow help the organisation assist farmers.
There are also plans underway for fundraisers.
To add to the list of where and how people can help, please email anne.keen@fairfaxmedia.com.au or send a message to the Gloucester Advocate Facebook page.
For more information about ‘Need for Feed’ visit http://www.needforfeed.org/ ; for information about Drought Angels visit https://www.droughtangels.org.au/ ; or for information about CWA of NSW Drought Aid visit https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/page.php?friendly_id=droughtaid
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
