The recent ‘Drought Appeal with a Difference’ event at “Avarest” in Reymond Street was, as the name suggested, one recognising that not only farming families but also many rural business families are doing it ‘very hard’ in the current climate.
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Marion and Ian Unger, together with members of the Lachlan Area Suicide Prevention Network, decided that getting families through this horrendous drought should be of great priority.
Local farmers and many Parkes business, people despite their own circumstances, all gave generously and donated items to be auctioned.
The 77 lots that auctioneer Geoff Rice put under the hammer on the Saturday afternoon realised $3237.55.
One (Irish?) farmer offered a rain gauge, explaining that with two rain gauges one could get a more useful total!
The total amount raised - from the auction plus income from the entry fee, the cuppa’s, the plant and ‘odds n ends’ stalls, cheques, plus the sale of some of the late Len Unger’s books raised a pleasing total of $7312.55.
This is not counting all those thoughtful ‘in kind’ goods and services received!
The most correctly guessed names of flowers, shrubs and trees competition was won by Marlene Huf from Forbes.
Over the three days that the garden was viewed, the names of six families thought would benefit from time away, were received in sealed envelopes.
These have been forwarded to Bob Fenwick of the BlazeAid organization for selection.
The names of more families can still be forwarded to BlazeAid.
On the Saturday afternoon Bob and his wife Jeanette were present and spoke of the work Blaze Aid does, which may include the “farm-sitting” of a property while a family is away on respite.
This is a common practice after bush fires.
Ian recalls that as a lifelong farmer of 60+ years, he has never seen a drought quite like this one, one that is so widespread.
“Even in the 1982-3 one, we were able to find agistment for our sheep in NSW, near Inverell,” he said.
“I feel that, be it emotionally and/or financially, it may be even harder for some in 2019.
“Always be on the lookout for anyone who doesn’t seem to be their ‘old self’ and is becoming withdrawn.
“And as individuals, all of us need to take special care of ourselves during these trying times.”
About BlazeAid
BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. In a new initiative BlazeAiders and Need for Feed Volunteers are coming together to offer farmers a hand on farm or/and a break away.
