FOLLOWING calls from the community to help drought-stricken farmers in NSW, Richmond Valley Council will be partnering with Kyogle and Lismore Councils to transport hay and make water deliveries to drought-stricken farmers in and around Narrabri with the support of Narrabri Shire Council.
General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said Council decided to team up with our neighbours and be part of the convoy after staff came forward wanting to help farmers in the west of the State, which led to talks with local businesses and community groups to help coordinate the best approach.
Mr Macdonald said many people were keen to help out: “Our community wants those farmers affected by this dreadful drought to know there are people out there thinking of them.
“I would like to highlight the commitment and compassion of Council workers who have offered their time to help out another community in tough times.”
The Richmond Valley convoy, consisting of Tony Simpson, Noel Clarke and David Attewell, will leave Casino early Saturday morning and should reach its destination around mid-afternoon. The hay will be delivered to Narrabri, and water deliveries provided as required. The team will make its way home Sunday.
The hay has been provided by local beef producer John Fitzhenry who wanted to help farmers out west with Kelvin Hamilton helping out and is being funded by the Lions Club’s Need for Feed charity who are supporting those in need in the Narrabri area.
Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow said this was a perfect example of mates helping mates.
Cr Mustow said helping people who were strangers, and not for personal gain, was about as Australian as you could get.
“We all need our farmers and it’s fantastic to see everyone putting their hands up to take part in the convoy,” he said.
“You never know when you need a helping hand yourself; what goes around comes around.”
