Ex-Gunnedah woman sees drought impact on Lane Cove visit

Mrs Zbik (nee Deane) was "really sad" to see her childhood playground of Lake Keepit reduced to dust and said it "represents a bigger challenge".

"My birthday's on New Year's Eve and growing up we always used to go out there and have birthday parties ... [and] we used to challenge each other to swim out to the pontoon," she said.

"I think that represents a bigger challenge for how Australia can drought-proof their future and help farmers."

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Lake Keepit was just one of the drought-affected areas Mrs Zbik visited with her young family and Lane Cove Rotary Club members following the city suburb's drought campaign, Gold for Gunnedah, launched last year by In the Cove's Jacky Barker.

The group visited farms in Mullaley and Kelvin to hear first-hand from farmers how they were staying afloat, ate in local cafes and Tambar Springs pub, and shopped in local stores.

Mrs Zbik said it was " a real eye-opener" learning about the importance of retaining soil moisture, why calves were being weaned early, and the fact that kurrajong branches and oranges could be used as alternative feed for cattle.

"It was interesting to hear about not just the challenges, but the decisions they've had to make ... seeing the battle farmers are going through and hearing first-hand the sacrifices they're having to make," she said.

"The crunch period comes at different times for farmers ... [and] the decisions they're making now will influence the future.

"Regardless of even if they do get rain, there is all the damage that has been done over the time of the drought to catch up on."

Mrs Zbik brought along a bundle of letters written to the shire's farmers by Lane Cove West Public School students who have been learning about water cycles and climate events.

"They were trying to personally connect ... and let the country know we are thinking of them," she said.

It was the first time her own children, Addelyn and William, had visited her former hometown and she said it was good for them to "connect with my childhood and what I grew up with".

Despite the difficulties the shire is experiencing, Mrs Zbik said it was "encouraging to see so much is still happening in Gunnedah".

"I think that needs to be celebrated. I think people forget," she said.

"I'm so proud to have been raised in such a resilient community. In Lane Cove, I'm really proud to say I'm from Gunnedah because people know how hard and tough they're doing it.

"It's nice to have a foot in both communities."

Rotary West's Phil Hutchison said it was "fabulous" to host the city-siders and it was important for them to see the impact of the drought for themselves and not just what they see in the media.

Club president Mark Kesby said it was"important to show farmers are doing it tough but they're resilient" and are "finding ways to keep going and survive".

Mr Hutchison said Lane Cove Rotary's Tania Mace even offered her Sydney apartment as a get-away for farmers who need to "come and have a break".

Another Rotary member, who is also a Fisher and Paykel representative, said the gifts from the company's staff Christmas tree would go to Gunnedah this year.

Almost $32,000 was raised through the Gold for Gunnedah campaign and gifted to the shire through Gunnedah Rotary West.

President Mark Kesby said $15,000 was invested in gift cards, which were distributed by the Gunnedah-based Rural Financial Counselling Service. Funds were also given to local schools for students who are impacted by the drought.