AS visitors flock to AgQuip 2018 several exhibitors are doing their best to help the region’s drought-stricken farmers.
Rural charity Aussie Helpers has been given a helping hand by neighbouring exhibitors Drought Masters who are donating 50 per cent of their profits from their steak sandwich sales.
The two groups will continue to support each other across the remainder of AgQuip with the proceeds to go towards helping struggling farmers retain their breeding stock.
Drought Masters team member Mark Heyman said the drought was taking a toll on farmers across the state.
“Things are really tough out there at the moment,” Mr Heyman said.
“We were looking for a way to help and once we heard Aussie Helpers made an effort to help keep breeding stock we thought this would be the best way.
“They do great work and it really breaks your heart to have to see people sell off their breeding stock.”
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Aussie Helpers team member Dave Moon said the group would be on hand throughout the event to help discuss what drought support measures are available to locals.
“We have been based in Gunnedah for a couple of weeks now and have been busy doing what we can to help out locals in need during that time,” Mr Moon said.
“Over the past couple of weeks we have had hay delivered, fresh produce and non-perishable items distributed as well.
“We will be looking to continue to do that and use AgQuip as a good avenue to allow people to come and have a chat and see how we can help.”
Mr Moon said Aussie Helpers was expecting a fresh delivery of stock feed in Gunnedah later this week.
“At this stage we will have a delivery of vegetable off-cuts arriving in town on Friday,” he said.
“It’s something a bit different and a bit of out of the box thinking from a young man from the Flemington markets in Melbourne.
“We will look to distribute that feed as quickly as possible given that it is fresh produce.”
The Aussie Helpers member said more volunteer support from Gunnedah would be greatly appreciated.
“So far we have seen some people put in a great effort in donating time to cart hay and we would love to see more of that,” he said.
“If there is anyone out there that is able to get involved with carting some hay for us or is need of support then please come and visit us here at AgQuip.”
- Aussie Helpers is based at the Gunnedah Shire Council at stand K-24 and 25 at AgQuip
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
