William Price first formulated the idea of hosting a fundraising event for struggling farmers when he saw several posts and stories online of people doing it tough.

From a small notion of hosting a charity auction and seeking donations from local businesses, came the reality of hosting a major fundraising night out at the Courthouse Hotel on July 27 and a fundraising stall at the Gunnedah market on July 28.

“Mate, to tell you the truth, all the posters and pictures I have seen come up on Facebook led me to getting this event together,” Mr Price said.

“For example I saw an aerial photo of Tamworth and just how dry and how bare it all is really made me think.

“We all know someone going through it, whether it’s mates or family or whatever.

“We all know someone affected by it and I think an event like this could really help them out.”

Mr Price said once he started reaching out to local businesses and groups, the support came flooding in.

“So many have come onboard, mate, seriously the list goes on and on,” he said.

“What was really cool was to see a local band, the Budgie Smugglers, get involved and then when I spoke to Josh at the Courthouse we were able to really start planning the event for the Saturday night.

“Josh has been so helpful in putting the night together and even offered to cover the cost of the band, which is awesome."

Gunnedah Courthouse Hotel publican Josh Launders told Namoi Valley Independent the event was beginning to come together.

“Originally William came to me looking for donations for an auction on the Sunday and I suggested making more of a night of it,” Mr Launders said.

“Farming is obviously integral to our country and community and everyone is doing it tough at the moment so this sort of thing is a really fun way of raising funds and awareness for those doing it tough.

“At this stage it’s looking like we will have a $5 cover charge to go towards the cause, there will be donation tins, raffles, the band kicking off at about 7pm and the auction halfway through the night.

“So it’s really shaping up to be a really great night.”

Read Also:

Mr Launders said he was not surprised to see the Gunnedah business community rally behind the cause.

“To be honest it doesn’t surprise me at all,” he said.

“The way the Gunnedah community is when somebody is in need is to rally behind them and I guess that’s one of the best parts about living in the country.”

Mr Price said in the lead up to the event he would be seeking out donated auction items from local businesses.

“That’s pretty much where we are up to right now,” he said.

“I must admit I have been pretty surprised to see so many businesses who are already doing their own fundraising get behind these events.

“Whether it’s a cash donation, or an auction item or like the ANZ Bank who are kindly hosting the market stall on July 28, everyone has been so keen to help out.

“Hopefully we can continue to gather donations for the auction and get as many people along as we can to support a good cause.”

The fundraising evening will kick off on Friday, July 27, from 7pm at the Courthouse Hotel followed by the charity market stall at Woslely Park from July 28. 

Funds raised through the events will be passed onto Doing it for our Farmers and onto a Rural Chaplin and Aussie Helpers.

Doing it for our Farmers donation and fundraising drive is run under the United Church Tamworth.