A group of Medowie men are spearheading a month-long campaign to raise money for drought-affected farmers.
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Ben Niland, Rod Kerr and Port Stephens central ward councillor Chris Doohan will launch the Medowie Bale Out The Drought campaign on July 12.
“I have been reading more and more of the terrible conditions farmers are facing in this drought. I recently came back from a drive out west unsettled by what is happening,” Mr Niland said.
“I spoke with a Medowie local who spends a fair amount of time in Tamworth and he spoke of the dire situation the farmers face. I felt I had to do something meaningful and I approached Chris Doohan with an idea. He was immediately on board. He has been a big support.”
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The Medowie Bale Out The Drought will see the trio raise money by selling raffle tickets and passing around collection buckets throughout the month. Schools, sports clubs and businesses will be asked to sell raffles tickets, too.
The campaign will finish with a final push at the aptly named Bull n Bush Hotel in Medowie on Sunday, August 12 where raffles will be drawn, and auctions will take place.
Mr Niland said the aim is to raise $20,000, which will be donated to Rural Aid, an established charity that runs the well-known Buy a Bale campaign. The trio have been authorised by Rural Aid to collect money on its behalf.
“I’d love to raise a million dollars. We’ll see how close we can get,” Cr Doohan said.
“At $20 for a small bale of hay to feed a cow for a day to $250 for a truck of water to nearly $10,000 for a truck full of hay to help our farming brothers and sisters out, I’d love to see a convoy worth of Medowie spirit headed west.
“We are also seeking any corporate donors and we will give you a plug at the finale. If businesses want to donate services, prizes or auction items, please get in touch with us.”
Bull n Bush licensee Eileen Clark said she was on board immediately when approached to help the campaign.
“I think it is a great idea and we are 100 per cent on board,” she said. “We are proud to kick it off with a $5000 donation. We are working through some ideas now for our finale.”
People can make tax deductible donations via the buyabale.com.au website or direct deposit BSB 114879 account number 439 938 530 and account name: Rural Aid Ltd.
Use the supporter number RASN2003 Hunter in the reference to show that the funds are being made form the Medowie community.
Money can also be donated to barrels around Medowie.
For more information or updates on the campaign, check out Medowie Bale Out The Drought on Facebook.
