Support crew lends a hand in Surat and Roma

Rural Aid has been touring the southwest with a radio crew in tow, to tell personal stories of the drought.

LEND A HAND: Tracy Alder and Jen Curnow-Trotter have been hard at work raising funds for Rural Aid on the trip. Picture: Jorja McDonnell

SHARING real stories of the southwest graziers and offering a helping hand were at the heart of Rural Aid's visit to Roma.

The charity visited Surat and Roma on Wednesday to meet with locals on its Lend a Hand for the Land tour.

It brought Brisbane's Triple M radio crew in tow for a special broadcast on Thursday morning, where community members were given the chance to share with thousands of listeners how they were pushing through the drought.

"When I come out west I see the troubles people are facing change from week to week and I am trying to remind everyone that there is support out there,” Rural Aid founder Tracy Alder said.

"We want people to know that we really do care and there are ways to access assistance - and it's not just financial assistance, it's counselling and a whole range of things we can offer people to help them through these tough times.”

As part of the journey, Rural Aid also wanted to bring some joy to the community and invited comedians Nick Cody and Mel Buttle to join the trip to tickle Roma's funny bone.

Aussie comedian Nick Cody entertained a full house at the Royal Hotel. Picture: Kim Kleidon

"We understand there's not much we can do about the rain, so we thought we could bring a little bit of cheer out into the country,” Ms Alder said.

"It is important to also give people a boost, because sometimes a little bit of laughter, fun and frivolity down at the pub, listening to comedians and having a beer, really helps the day-to-day living.

"It's just a bit of a boost and something that they'll talk about for a little while to come.”

Roma was the final stop on a week-long tour for the Rural Aid team, who had already made visits to StGeorge and Charleville.

Robyn Bailey, Dianne Brumpton and Tracy Alder. Picture: Kim Kleidon

During the course of the trip, the group has not only broadcast stories but made a big push for donations from the Triple M listeners.

"It makes people think about what is actually happening and what people are feeling,” Ms Alder said.

"It is the trials and tribulations of selling stock when they don't want to, selling a property, whatever it might be, and we are here to highlight the importance of trying to help people through this difficult time, whatever that looks like.

"And that is the message we are trying to bring home to our listeners in the city.”