A temporary workforce of Gunnedah shire residents are hard at work around the area.
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The Gunnedah council initiative was given the nod in late 2019 and is providing employment for farmers, farm workers, contractors, business owners, supplier and employees in related industries whose primary income had been impacted by the drought.
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Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the recent rain meant many of those people had been kept busy on properties, but six people were already at work on a number of projects.
"This is proving to be a wonderful initiative," Cr Chaffey said.
"There are many people with valuable skills who are willing and able to work, but need a flexible option that will allow them to fulfil their on farm obligations. We are keen to keep our hard-working residents and families here, and this provides an option to help the Shire and to supplement their incomes.
"It's also a great resource for council to have temporary workers who can assist with some of the many important community projects that are under way.
Cr Chaffey said the council planned to recruit more people to the Farmer Army later this month.
"There is plenty of work out there, and we want to offer it to as many people as we can," he said.
"While the shire is benefiting from the Farmer Army members' experience, we are also offering the chance to learn new skills and build on existing skills so that people are even more employable."