Relief road trip to deliver 1600 tonnes of stockfeed

The Rapid Relief Team will hit the road with 1600 tonnes of livestock feed to be delivered to drought stricken towns in Queensland and New South Wales.

Operation Drought Relief will provide much-needed stock feed to Queensland farmers in the coming months.

GRAZIERS in drought-stricken communities across Northern New South Wales and Southwest Queensland have the chance to register for free stockfeed as the Rapid Relief Team hits the road with 1600 tonnes to deliver to those doing it tough.

Managing director Ron Arkcoll said the Rapid Relief Team was currently taking registrations for allocation of livestock pellets to be delivered at Farmers Community Connect events in the coming months.

“We’ll be bringing 1600 tonnes of livestock pellets to farmers doing it tough as we know how devastating the drought has been and there doesn’t appear to be any relief on the horizon,” he said.

Farmers Community Connect events will be held in Cobar and Warren in January, Goondiwindi and Inverell in February, Bourke and Walgett in March, and St George and Roma in April. Mr Arkcoll encouraged farmers in these areas who have been impacted by the drought, and rely on the land as their primary source of income to register their interest to receive a one-tonne bag of livestock pellets.

“No one can turn up on the day and receive a bulker bag of feed, we run a professional registration process,” he said.

“We’re seeking to reach those who are genuinely doing it tough and their primary source of income is off the land. We’re trying to get to the people in need.”

Mr Arkcoll said the events were designed to not only provide feed for stock, but also a chance to socialise with other farmers over a free lunch and connect with key services.

“Farmers Community Connect is designed to be a feelgood and well-deserved day out for the farmers, to give them a break from the farm and the drought,” he said.

“It brings them into town where the whole community can come together, where they can speak with their neighbours and their mates, collect a one-tonne bulker bag of feed and then enjoy a free barbecue and barista coffee.”

Farmers attending the events will also have access to other charities and support services including the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Rural Financial Counselling Service and mental health services.

“There’s a serious aspect to this drought and a need for mateship and mental health support during this desperate, overwhelming time,” Mr Arkcoll said.

He urged farmers to get involved with the events and take advantage of the services on offer.

“We’re mates helping mates. Come and enjoy the coffee, bring your family, bring your kids and take a break from the drought and the farm,” he said.

To register for a bag of feed, visit: www.rapidreliefteam.org/livestock-pellet-registration.

The Farmer’s Community Connect events will be held in the following locations:

• Cobar – January 30

• Warren – January 31

• Goondiwindi – February 13

• Inverell – February 14

• Bourke – March 19

• Walgett – March 20

• St George – April 2

• Roma – April 3