Locals are continuing to fundraise to support drought affected communities with Bangalow and Mullumbimby having a particular focus on the Gwydir Shire.
Kimberlee Thompson, a local community support worker from Mullumbimby, is now out in Bingara getting hands on to assist Suzy Webber, Gwydir Shires social services manager.
‘Suzy has a big job ahead of her as the drought doesn’t seem to be breaking anytime soon,’ said Kimberlee.
‘Suzy is working with and regularly consulting with the school, community members, farmers and community services organisations to offer support throughout the Shire.’
Cattle feed, powdered milk for calves, working dog food and money to buy essentials are just some of the things that have been sent out to the drought affected communities from Mullumbimby and Bangalow.
‘We are still collecting money so that we can buy the things theses communities need,’ said Jenelle Stanford from the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce.
‘We are currently raising money to send out horse feed for the working horses that are droving the cattle. When they eat the same feed as the cattle it gives them issues with their digestion and other problems with their liver and gums.
‘We will be organising some fund raising
There are a range of donation tins at Mullumbimby shops including the Mullum Co-op who have been helping coordinate multiple truck loads of cattle feed being sent to farmers.
‘We should be really proud of our local Co-op company,’ said one local Marion Toms.
‘They have organised a massive series of feed drops into the drought stricken areas, even as far as Cobar-Pilliga. Local farmers who have donated feed from their paddocks include Frank and Gail James, Rob Adie, Peter Buckley and Brook Thomas; Alec Noelle of Byron Bay Tree Services helped with cutting fodder. Volunteer drivers included Terry Johnston and Rob Jarvis while other locals donated fuel and trucks for this massive effort. This portrayal of Aussie goodwill and empathy is humbling.’
Bangalow fundraiser
The township of Bangalow is pulling together a Bangalow to Bingara fundraiser on October 6 that aims to raise funds to assist farmers, families and businesses that are being affected by the drought.
Kerry O’Brien will be taking to the stage over the evening to interview a local Bangalow identity that will be revealed on the night and he will also be interviewing one of the affected farmers from Bingara.
‘Some of the Bingara community will also be coming to the event,’ said organiser Alli Page from GNF Real Estate.
‘It is really galvanising the local Bangalow community. Local businesses have been donating some great items to be auctioned and the local tradies have really come on board with donations of a $10,000 bathroom renovation and an $8,000 deck.
‘Local people are also donating the meat and produce for the meal, the Bangalow Hotel kitchen is donating their time as are the bar staff.’
The money raised will not only be going towards fodder for animals but will also be contributed towards the Lions Club who are involved in the Mens Shed and mental health programs that will be operating in the region.
‘Hopefully we can make a decent impact,’ said Alli.
If you are interested in getting involved, donating items for auction or have ideas about ways to help give All a call on 0403 498 648.
Every bit helps
Byron Bay’s St Paul’s Spirituality Centre and Anglican Church has decided to donate all the funds they raise this weekend as part of the second hand Saturday garage sale.
‘A parishioner had seen the article in The Echo about the drought so we voted to donate all the money we raise at the garage sale this weekend towards the drought through the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce drought relief fund,’ said parish secretary Sue Williams.
Anyone wishing to donate to the drought relief can contribute at the various locations throughout the towns, contact the chambers, or deposit money into the Bangalow Chamber via Bank account: BSB 728728, account number: 22321405 or Mullumbimby Chamber via BSB: 722744, account number: 100125743.
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