WORKING CLASS MACK: Jimmy Barnes gives his seal of approval

AUSTRALIA'S rock and truck legends have united to raise money for drought-stricken farming communities in New South Wales and Queensland.

Jimmy Barnes with the Working Class Mack.

AUSTRALIA'S rock and truck legends have united to raise money for drought-stricken farming communities in New South Wales and Queensland.

Jimmy Barnes and Mack Trucks have created a unique "Working Class Mack" truck to be auctioned for drought relief.

Mack Trucks Australia vice president Dean Bestwick said Jimmy had overseen the art work spray painted on the truck's cabin.

"This Australian-made Mack Super-Liner is an enormous, inspirational homage to Jimmy's legendary Working Class Man - an iconic album from 1985 that still resonates with farming communities across the country," Mr Bestwick said.

"We're auctioning the Working Class Mack and donating the profits from the sale to Rotary to show our support for farmers who're doing it tough. They're the backbone of our nation and Mack trucks work side-by-side with them every day."

Launching the auction at Mack's Brisbane factory today, the Cold Chisel frontman said people on the land needed all the help they could get.

"It's extremely urgent - 99 per cent of New South Wales and 65 per cent of Queensland are in drought," Jimmy said.

"Tens of thousands of farmers are on their knees and country towns are working hard to make a living, because of the worst drought in living memory.

"It's time for all Australians to rally around those in the bush, to show we care, and I'm really proud to team up with Mack for this fundraiser."

Queensland farmers Jim and Phyllis Stralow have been on their cattle property, 80 kilometres north of Aramac, since 1993.

"You can handle a year or two of dry weather but, after seven years of drought, things start to get pretty tough," Mrs Stralow said.

"A long drought is like when you have a family member who is really crook. It doesn't matter what you do, they just don't get better. A lot of people don't realise how tough it's been."

The Working Class Mack.

John McLaren from Rotary Australia said the auction would make a big difference.

"The money raised will go towards buying feed, helping farmers with their living expenses and providing health and emotional support on the ground," Mr McLaren said.

"It's a tremendous and inventive way to help our farmers and we thank Mack Trucks and Jimmy Barnes for their generous support."
Mr Bestwick urged Mack and Barnesy fans to dig deep.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so bid big and remember it's for our farmers," he said.

To bid on the unique Working Class Mack, go to pickles.com.au. Online auction closes at 4pm on Thursday, June 13,  2019.

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