Claire McKenzie: Ballandean slasher accident fundraiser launched with full support of community

The Southern Downs community has banded together in support of a woman who suffered horrific injuries in an accident involving a slasher in November last year. Here’s how they’re making a difference, and how you can help.

Still smiling: Stanthorpe eager to help the recovery process for local Claire McKenzie through fundraising (Photo: the Little Larder)

The Stanthorpe community is rallying in support of a woman on the road to recovery after her life was changed forever while mowing her lawn last year.

In November 2022, 61-year-old dressmaker Claire McKenzie was mowing her 51 hectare Watters Rd property when she came off the tractor and went under a slasher.

Despite suffering horrific injuries, Ms McKenzie managed to call emergency services for help, and she was later taken by a rescue helicopter to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition.

Support quickly flooded in from the community and throughout the country, with a GoFundMe campaign quickly raising almost $15,000.

Now once again, Stanthorpe is rushing to support Ms McKenzie, by organising a massive fundraiser.

Claire McKenzie, 61, suffered catastrophic injuries and lost both her legs and an arm in a horror tractor incident at her Ballandean farm on the Southern Downs.

The Claire McKenzie Fundraiser, organised by The Little Larder Stanthorpe owner Cam Giddings, will take place on Saturday.

Mr Giddings has owned his cafe open for more than two years and said he was happy to help out.

“We’ve had a great response for the event with lots of businesses helping and donating items for the auction, including holiday packages, appliances and vouchers,” Mr Giddings said.

“It’s the small town mentality, I’d like to know if something happened to me that people would be there for me.”

Tickets are $120, and the event will feature three hours of free-flow drinks and canapes, as well as an auction featuring items donated by local businesses, with all money raised going to support Ms McKenzie’s recovery.

“We had the resources and venue to create something positive out of a horrific situation, I hope people can come together and have a nice time for a good cause,” Mr Giddings said.

“The support (for Claire) has been overwhelming so far, it’s a really tight town, we work together and do what we can when someone needs help it’s such an incredible community.”

You can buy tickets to the fundraiser here. 

You can continue to support Claire’s recovery via the GoFundMe.