Australia in Drought is All Our Business

2 good falls of rain in 2 years in Gulargambone ​- "the grass is dead, the stock is gone or in small paddock, it is an eerie look, an eerie feel". Walgatt have been in drought for 6 years - Only 1 crop in 6 years which means low income, no life, no extra fuel, lots of depression due to not being able to provide and produce, suicide. The worst drought in NSW in 100 years.

Yet this is not our backyard so why should a local radio station in Sydney pay attention? ... Because we are each others brothers and sisters, because farmers are the food bowl of Australia and because we must if we are to avert one of the primary Australian industries from being undervalued and abused.

My guest is Carolyn Lyons OAM shares how city dwellers could make space to understand "the great diversity, the great pain, the great triumphs that farmers go through" so we can engage our politicians and policy makers, shop for the food that is on our table in a responsible way and pay attention to the conversations and policies we may have glanced over before our eyes were opened.

"We must remember the word community - the coming together of people with like mind"

If you think we have managed to open a conversation then please share with farmers so they know we care and with politicians, family and friends so we can each make a difference to the people who have dedicated themselves to sustain an industry which has long been ignored.

"Let's make agriculture sexy - that would help put us higher up the agenda"

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Farmers on the land are very simple rain makes them smile

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Further resources

Some writing for Insight by Carolyn Lyons OAM
Get in contact with Carolyn Lyons OAM
Support networks and resources

• Rural Assistance Authority 
• Rural Resilience Program with a drought preparedness survey
• Lifeline – Family Relationship Problems 
• Aussie Helpers
• NSW Farmers - Growing the Best
• Rural Mental Health – 1300 515 915
• National Drought help 
• Family and Relationship Advice Line - 1800 050 321
• Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277

• Lifeline - 1300 13 11 14
• Salvation Army - Drought assistance
• Mission Australia

​"Who needs what and how do we get it to them..."

Projects you may want to get involved in
Rotary
Rotarian Barry Edmundson of the Rotary Club of Wahroonga to be the District Coordinator for Drought Relief. You can donate money which can then be converted into grocery cards administered by agencies such as The Salvation Army or local Councils. The Rotary Club of Sydney is coordinating the sending of semitrailer loads of stock feed to areas of need.
Rotary District 9650 has set up a RAWCS project. That project will be matched dollar for dollar up to $15,000.00.