Nine Mid North Coast clubs donate beer and coffee sales money to flood victims
Until the end of October those buying a beer or a coffee in some Mid North Coast clubs can enjoy their beverage while also delivering much-needed help to struggling farmers.
Mid-North Coast
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Until the end of October those buying a beer or a coffee on the Mid North Coast can enjoy their beverage while also delivering much-needed help to struggling farmers.
As part of the Raise a Glass campaign, participating clubs such as Panthers Port Macquarie will be donating 50 cents from the proceeds of every beer and coffee purchased to help farmers get back on their feet after this year’s devastating floods.
The initiative has been organised by Port Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer, Clubs NSW and the Mid Coast Dairy Advancement Group (MCDAG).
Panthers Port Macquarie General Manager John Fearnley said his club had been keen to participate when approached by Mr Dwyer.
“During the recent floods we were an evacuation centre so we saw it first-hand and with our ties with the community we would like to help out where ever we can,” he said.
“We employ nearly 100 staff and a lot of our staff and their family members are affected so we are happy to be involved.
“Our club members are happy to be helping out and seeing that we are doing something.”
While some local clubs will follow Mr Dwyer’s suggested model of donating 50 cents from beer and coffee sales, others will give grants or do other types of fundraising.
Tim Bale, who owns a Dairy Farm on Stewarts River halfway between Port Macquarie and Taree, said a common problem with fundraising efforts and official efforts to help farmers was that the money could be misdirected.
“There are so many people trying to help but if they don’t know or don’t talk to the locals it doesn’t necessarily go to people in most need,” he said.
However, all money raised by Raise a Glass will be distributed to the worst flood-affected farmers by the MCDAG.
Mr Dwyer said the recent severe flood “had a devastating impact on our local communities,
including the dairy farmers in the Manning and Hastings region”.
“These hardworking families are facing enormous challenges as they recover from the damage to their homes, livestock and livelihoods,” he said.
“There are approximately 12 dairy farmers in the Manning Valley catchment and a
further 10 in the Macleay, that have been severely impacted. Funds will be distributed
on a needs basis.
“I encourage as many people as possible to support this initiative so that we can all get
behind our local farmers to give them a hand to rebuild their lives and livelihood.”
In addition to the Raise a Glass campaign some clubs will conduct their own fundraising activities to help farmers.
Mr Bale has suggested to Woolworths that they add a 10 cent levy to milk sales, as was done from 2018 to 2022 for drought-affected producers.
“I have put a proposal to Woolworths that maybe they lift the price on milk on the basis that money goes back to farmers,” Mr Bale said.
“I don’t think it will happen but 10c a litre if they guaranteed it went back to farmers it would make a massive difference.”
Woolworths has been contacted for comment.
Participating venues in Raise a Glass
Club Old Bar
Club West (Taree)
Crescent Head Country Club
Port City Bowling Club
Club North Haven
Kempsey RSL and The Bowlo
Wauchope RSL
Port Panthers
Westport Club
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