Pittwater Online News

Seven years on the opposite has occurred and Aussie Helpers are coming to the aid of our farmers once more, this time to help them stay on the land while the paddocks turn to dust around them, their livestock thin from lack of fodder, and the bottom of the purse was reached a few seasons back. Aussie Helpers doesn't just bring in food for livestock though, they also have a range of support services for farmers, including a Virtual Psychologist where people from rural and remote area may text and speak to a qualified clinician day or night, or sending a mechanic out to fix a truck and everything in between.

A few letters of thanks to the Aussie Helpers team may lend an insight to the work of Aussie Helpers which goes everywhere they see a need:

Dear Aussie Helpers,

Please accept this email as our letter of humble thanks for the hay that Brian sent out to us, it was put to good use. We also would like to thank the organisation for the generator that was purchased, to help pump water. Something that is a crisis here at present.

Dams going dry, cattle drinking mud, by having this genset it will allow us to pump from a bore that we haven’t been able to use due to funds. Cattle will also thank you for having a nice clean drink.

Thank you again in  helping us it is so greatly appreciated.

One can only hope that it rains this year  so not only we can have a spell from drought but yourselves as well.

THANK YOU

Dear Brian & Nerida and all of the Aussie Helpers,

Today I had an unexpected visit. It was hours ago, and I’m still on the verge of tears. I’m not doing it as tough as some and like everyone I know, asking for help is hard. But I thank you form the bottom of my heart for the visit and for someone not forgetting us.

More than anything, the feeling of not being alone is so appreciated. The offer of hay is gold and being left with a delicious box of food goodies was so appreciated- including little luxuries that have really become luxuries such as Arnott biscuits and sweets as well as the staples and loo paper! Some times you don’t realise how tight you’ve had to pull the belt in until you realise you’re down to your last roll of loo paper!!

My husband, sons and I will all enjoy your generosity and thoughtfulness. And then there was the bag of fancies. Even a hair dryer! And lip balm and earrings. And all the rest. It was too sweet and every time I use my lovely new face washer I will rejoice in the spirit of Aussie Helpers and the generosity of all involved.

I truly thank you all

Dear Brian and all your wonderful wonderful happy helpers

From the bottom of my heart I would like to say a very very big thank you for your overwhelming generosity, thoughts, organisational ability, big smiles and fun that you bought to the Longreach district.

I have never experienced our fellow man in a better light where so many people have been involved to help those in very great need.  It is a shock to be on the receiving end when you are used to being on the other side but I can assure you it has made a huge difference to my spirit and to the lucky animals feasting on hay like they have never seen!

I admire you all and appreciate your terrific efforts.  It is simply fantastic to think that the bush is being held in respect and people care as so often we feel forgotten especially by governments who seem to ignore agriculture as a sustainable industry that could and should support  great job prospects for so many people.

Our last mob of cattle go this week and the first time ever we will be totally destocked, quite a horrific position to be in and quite eerie  …..  we still have 20,000 roos!

Thank you all for your fabulous contribution,

Best wishes to you and your great organisation

P.S.  My son is enjoying his lovely new boots as the other had a hole right through them from a stick he  ‘picked up” while mustering on the motorbike, a great prickle trap!

People in Pittwater have not forgotten that our area was a rural place just two generations ago. We also have a large resident population who have come directly from or have strong links with rural Australia. That's why that country ethos of looking out for and after each other is still so strong here, no matter the distance, no matter the need. Here, just as there, we don't ask for help - if we see a need we offer to help.

We are firmly embedded in 'you can take the girl/boy out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl!'.

This has inspired locals to launch 'Bales from the Beach', an Avalon Beach RSL club donation initiative, to raise much needed funds for Australian Drought Relief programs.

So far students from Maria Regina had a school day fundraiser dressing up in the theme of “Bales from the Beach” and collectively donated $2160.00. This week the Year 7 Student Representative Council at Barrenjoey High School gathered $420 to add in.

Funds are being deposited weekly and you can keep up to date with the rising support on this page - it's over 8 thousand so far.

The 'Bales from the Beach' wasn't enough though - so next Saturday, August 25th, FARM AID will be happening at the Avalon Beach RSL Club.

"The Bales from The Beach FARM AID has been put together by Avalon Beach RSL Club after getting such an overwhelming and heart warming response from our local community to the Bales to The Beach fundraising campaign." Cristo Tracy explained this week

"We hope to raise, with the community's help, over $10,000 from the continuing Bales from the Beach campaign and the FARM AID event on the 25th August 2018. In fact, we'd like to raise a lot more and keep it going."

"Every cent raised will be donated to the Aussie Helpers Charity supporting our Australian Farmers."

So what's going to be happening next Saturday? - the list so far:

• MECHANICAL BULL RIDE IN THE COURTYARD 3-8PM
• LIVE MUSIC WITH CHANTAL & CEASAR + SUNDOWN FROM 8:30PM IN THE SURF LOUNGE - DONATION ENTRY.
• SAUSAGE SIZZLE IN THE COURTYARD FROM MIDDAY
• KIDS FACE PAINTING IN THE COURTYARD FROM 2-4PM
• FUNDRAISER RAFFLE - ON SALE 4PM, DRAWN 6PM.
• PRIZES FOR BEST DRESSED! FLANNIES RECOMMENDED!
• PLUS A HEAP MORE ON THE DAY!

Donations can now also be made online so those who cannot make it to the FARM AID event can be doing their bit to keep the farmers of this nation where they want to be - on the land!

Visit: www.avalonrsl.com.au/balesfromthebeach

If you or your business are able to donate any raffle prizes for the day please call Cristo on 9918 2201 or email promo@avalonrsl.com.au.

The club is also accepting donated non perishable items to be distributed to farmers and families in drought stricken areas.

Find out more about Aussie Farmers at: aussiehelpers.org.au