The grass is looking greener locally following recent rains.
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Sadly, though, the rain hasn’t fallen in western New South Wales. Rotary District 9650 are not giving up supporting farmers in need of help.
Taree Rotarian Maurie Stack says that the drought continues and so does the need to support farmers.
“When farmers are drought affected in western areas, they have limited money to spend and whole communities can be devastated," Maurie said.
"Many Rotarians have been spending money in western towns and we will be taking a drought busting bus to Narrabri for a weekend commencing Friday 31 May."
Maurie is inviting anyone in the community wanting to join the trip for a weekend of fun whilst spending money to support local motels, restaurants and shops in Narrabri to join them.
The Manning Valley is part of Rotary District 9650, extending from the coast to Coonamble and up to Lightning Ridge – an area almost the size of England.
Through the support of local people in this area the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society has raised $249,000 in drought relief and with funds from the Channel 9 telethon and the Australian government this project has delivered approximately $1.1 million to needy farmers within the Rotary District, with $400,000 to go.
Separately, the Rotary Club of Narrabri has set up a project called Neighbours in Need, which has raised and distributed another $800,000 – again including funds from the Channel 9 Telethon and the Australian government.
“Farmers are reluctant to accept charity. So we invited farmers to anonymously nominate neighbours who were in need of assistance," explalined Narrabri Club president and farmer Darrell Tiemens.
"We hit upon the idea of distributing Eftpos cards in amounts of between $200 and $2000. We asked farmers to use these cards to support local businesses by buying locally.
"A lot of these cards were distributed in the course of farm visits and at barbecues for farmers as well as during mental health first aid courses," Darrell said.
Anyone wishing to join the drought busting bus can email maurie@stacklaw.com.au or phone him on 0427 668 821.
"I will be using my Irish luck to ensure that we also bring much-needed rain," Maurie said.
“Anyone who can’t come but would like to financially support drought stricken farmers can google Neighbours in Need. Donations are tax-deductible through the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society. We are enormously grateful for the generous support we have received locally but the job is not yet complete.”