The Mercury’s call for help for our drought-ravaged farmers has struck a chord.
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When we raised the sorry plight of those living on the land in last Friday’s Mercury, including an open letter to Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair, we knew the community would rally.
And when we launched the range of fund-raising measures available via our website on Wednesday, we were optimistic. But we are nothing short of amazed at the good will shown already. Consider this:
- In the first 48 hours 62 donation barrels had been distributed to businesses across the Hunter.
- 14 hay truck posters have already been requested for workplaces – these will gradually fill up a truck load of hay to distribute to a farmer in need.
- Vineyards throughout the Hunter Valley have chipped in and are getting on board with a donation barrel too.
- In the first 24 hours, more than $18,000 was raised including $2500 in one hour.
- Supermarket Coles have come on board – everyone who registers with the campaign and raises $500 will receive a $50 gift voucher. Eight people have already registered for this.
That’s impressive stuff, and the Mercury is understandably proud of the role we have played.
None moreso than the fact that when Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair arrives in the Hunter today, he will shun the media.
Instead he wants to talk to farmers first-hand, and he has requested the Mercury’s own Belinda-Jane Davis to sit down for a chat about the worst affected farms and what support is needed.
He is doing this because he was moved by the Mercury’s open letter to him, and been impressed by Belind-Jane’s obvious desire to help our farm families.
Let’s hope his visit is the trigger for some serious support at government level.
In other positive signs, the Stork family who featured on our front page two weeks ago (pictured above) will get the first load of hay from the campaign funds through Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale Campaign today. They have also received 20,000 litres of water thanks to a Mercury reader who wanted to help.
Throw in the sterling efforts of Scot MacDonald who has taken the issue to Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and Meryl Swanson and there’s a lot to be pleased about.
But we won’t stop there. There are more things planned and we’ll keep you posted.
