Social media star to strip down for charity

SOCIAL media sensation Jillaroo Jess said she would strip down and submit a photo to The Naked Farmer if she could raise $20,000 for drought affected farmers.

Jessica Edwards, also known as Jillaroo Jess. Picture: Contributed

WHAT started as a joke between two social media accounts is now a reality for Jess Edwards.

Known as Jillaroo Jess online, she was challenged by the The Naked Farmer, Ben Brooksby, to get her gear off for a photo.

“I said if I can raise $20,000 for the farmers I’d do it,” she said.

A charity auction was held on Tuesday night in Rockhampton during the Droughtmaster National Sale to raise money for Jess and Ben’s Fair Crack for our Farmers campaign.

12 semen straw packages were kindly donated by studs, with all funds going to the cause. The night was a huge success, raising $24,475, meaning Jillaroo Jess will be stripping down for a cheeky photo.

“I’m so thankful and appreciative for all the support and the kindness of people,” she said.

“The farmers are our backbone, there’s nothing that doesn’t come from farming.

“I think it’s quite important for the industry to help each other out, so Ben and I thought because we are a part of the industry we’d raise some funds and physically help them ourselves.”

Jess said it was humbling to be able to give back to the industry she has been part of for many years.

The auction was organised by Jess’ good friend Nadia Gillies from Gillmara Grazing, who was also selling bulls at the Droughtmaster National Sale.

“We had agents from Elders Rockhampton and Savage Barker and Backhouse on board with the cause,” Mrs Gillies said.

“Their commission from our bulls at the sale and the bulls from David Schloss of Glenn Valley will be donated to Jess’ campaign.”

The bulls from Glenn Valley grossed at $32,5000 and the Gillmara bulls made a combined total of $28,500.

All the money raised in the Fair Crack for our Farmers campaign will go to the drought and rural mental health fund created by Jess.

Check out next week’s edition of the Rural Weekly for the Droughtmaster National Sale wrap-up and results.