Drought charity tries different approach

“So this is how my week has been. Three days ago … my staff picked up the body of a 40-something farmer who took his life” said the Narrabri Rotarian and funeral director, “and this may not be the last loss of life we hear of, from this drought” he continued to a shocked audience of Rotarians in Narrabri.

With many government agencies and charities (providing counselling services including mental health, suicide prevention and financial hardship) struggling to reach the many isolated pockets of our community the Rotary Club of Narrabri decided to step in with a project called “Neighbours in Need,” to encourage neighbours to anonymously nominate people / families / individuals / themselves who are socially isolated as a result of the drought and could do with a visit from some Rotarians and supporters. We’re even promising to stump up for the meat if a group of five drought-affected families get together for a BBQ. 

In times of drought, conversations are often not happy. Even in a thriving town like Narrabri, a drought like this has an impact on families and businesses throughout the area.

“In times like these many people slip through the cracks and we aim to reach out in the best way we possibly can”, said Bruce Pyke, Rotary Club of Narrabri Public Officer and Project Manager of Neighbours in Need. “If we can avoid tragedy in just a small number of cases then it’s all been worthwhile”, he continued.

Different people have different ways of coping with severe drought. We have created a tax-deductible charitable vehicle designed to get through to as many people in our area as possible. We are using grocery vouchers, fresh cakes and fuel cards as a way of sitting down with people to ensure they know about all the great services out there. 

Neighbours in Need and the Rotary Club of Narrabri are also encouraging all people in our area to reach out to those around them and make sure that they are ok, that they know there are people around them who do care and that they know about the support available to them.

A list of support services is available on our website: www.neighboursinneed.com.au where people can also anonymously nominate a neighbour in need as well as volunteer to help or donate where each tax-deductible donation will be matched $1 for $1 up to $15000. 

“We have every intention of this being a long-term commitment by Rotary. The impact of this drought will be felt for many months after the first drops of drought-breaking rain are received”, said Rotary Club of Narrabri President, Darrell Tiemens. “The most important thing is that we build a stronger, more-drought resistant community by supporting each other.”

For interviews or questions call Darrell Tiemens (Rotary Club of Narrabri President) on 0411572926 or email info@neighboursinneed.com.au.