When the CWA set up a drought pop-up shop, they weren't expecting it to rain on three of the five days.
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The welcome rain was good news for the shire’s farming families, which were the focus of the association’s efforts in CWA Awareness Week.
Members from the Gunnedah, Emerald Hill, Tambar Spings, Curlewis and Goolhi branches sold sweets and sandwiches, and gave out water, and food, toiletry and baby hampers to those in dire straits.
Emerald Hill CWA president Yvonne Argent said there was a “phenomenal response” when the weather was fine.
“It was a lot of work but I think it was really worthwhile,” she said.
“A lot of people learnt a lot about the CWA.”
Ms Argent said the association was able to help 15 people directly.
“We didn’t have any expectations because we know how proud farmers are. We’re glad we could help some of them,” she said.
“There were some very heartbreaking stories.”
Ms Argent said they raised a reasonable amount of money, which will go towards helping farming families at Christmas but its “greatest achievement was the fact that it did rain.”
“There’s so much coming in and everyone is focusing on now but Christmas is coming,” she said.
“Christmas won't be nice for them. We're looking to make it a little easier for them.”
Ms Argent said the CWA would welcome Why Leave Gunnedah? cards and gift cards for fuel, groceries, services and retail stores or donations to purchase cards.
“I think we need to start this now,” she said.
To get involved in the CWA’s Support the Farmers Christmas appeal, phone Yvonne Argent on 0490 926 917.
