The word drought conjures up many heartbreaking images – parched land, blazing sun, skeletal stock and barren fields.
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These images drove Thornton charity Aussie Care’s Peter West to stock his truck with pallets of food and head for north-west NSW.
The scene that Mr West described to the Mercury after his trek to Gilgandra and Bourke was even bleaker than many would imagine, considering our land is in the grip of winter chill, not summer heat.
Regardless, the big dry is taking its toll. Mr West saw fields without a single blade of grass.
These conditions paralyse the men and women of the land.
They put people out of work and the trickle-down effect can have a devastating impact on a regional economy.
But the toll goes beyond the human experience. It kills animals, and not only pastoral beasts.
One of the most shocking pieces of news Mr West brought home was tales of families that were struggling to feed their dogs. In the bush, a dog is both tool and companion.
One good working dog may be as valuable to a farmer as 10 men.
And, as anyone who has ever loved a dog can tell you, they can also be your absolute best mate.
Mates are important when you’re struggling, or depressed. And, according to Mr West, the tiny community of Gilgandra has been rocked by seven drought-related suicides in recent times.
Mr West plans to go back to our state’s drought-stricken north-west and this time he plans to take both dog and people food.
Thank you, Mr West, for lending a hand to both man and man’s best friend in this time of need.
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