Last week, NSW Farmers announced it was transferring $75,000 to the Country Woman's Association of NSW to help support farmers and dependent contractors to help with household bill payment in the lead up to Christmas.
NSW Farmers President James Jackson praised the work of the CWA NSW and said it was critical to support these communities as they prepare for one of the driest summers on record.
"This donation is money pledged by ordinary Australians to the NSW Farmers Natural Disaster Relief Fund," James said.
For example, Maeve Dougherty a 17-year-old student at St Hilda's School in Queensland ran 200 kilometres and pledged all funds raised from her efforts to the NSW Farmers Natural Disaster Relief Fund.
"As the rain refuses to fall and the bushfires rage, farmers open more bills for fodder, water and essential business costs. They continue to pay wages and feed their families. But income is insignificant," James said.
Since the start of 2018, NSW Farmers has donated $280,000 to the NSW Natural Disaster Relief Fund which has been distributed to farming communities across the state through the Salvation Army, and to Anglican Aid for a dedicated project in the New England area.
President of CWA NSW Stephanie Stanhope expressed her gratitude for the donation and stressed how important funding is for the CWA's drought aid work during this time of year.
"We've been distributing grant payments for some time now. This donation comes at a critical time, especially as our funding sources are running quite low. It will be distributed to those in need immediately," said Ms Stanhope.
"We sincerely thank NSW Farmers for their support of our work, and for the broader advocacy role they are undertaking for many at this time."
