RRT TEAMS UP WITH NATIONAL RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE AGENCY & ROTARY TO SUPPORT CENTRAL WEST QLD FARMERS

In tough times feeling like a chat is often the last thing on our minds, which is why the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) is reaching out to remind people across Central West Queensland, just how important saying ‘G’day’ can be.

RRT will be delivering a special Farmers Community Connect event at Barcaldine Showgrounds on 22 September - and there’s a great incentive of a free, one ton bulker bag of feed for farmers to take advantage of. 

Registrations by 10 September are essential, and can be done online via https://bit.ly/FCCRegister.

The event, which aims to boost farmers emotional and financial wellbeing, is being held in conjunction with the Federal Government’s National Recovery and Resilience 

Agency as part of their Community Outreach events and will welcome additional support from Rotary. 

RRT Director, Lester Sharples, said the show of support was to remind everyone how important it is to look out for each other during the tough times. 

“Supporting communities in need is a constant focus for us at RRT,” Lester said.

“Farmers in Barcaldine and surrounding regions have done it tough in recent years with the ongoing drought, so we’re pleased to do our small bit to help boost farmers’ emotional and financial wellbeing,” Lester continued. 

“By bringing in feed to farmers, we’re kicking things off in Barcaldine to get the community together at the showgrounds, reminding them just how important it is to ask your 

mates how they are going, and if they need a hand.”

A range of services from different agencies will be available at the event including veterinary support, mental health and rural financial counselling.

The Rapid Relief Team is made up of volunteers from The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. 

National Recovery and Resilience Agency Outreach Events focus on recovery from drought. This won’t happen overnight and sometimes takes years for farmers to get back on level terms.

Drought is unfortunately a feature of the Australian farming environment, and an incredibly taxing challenge that our farmers regularly face. 

Events like this are a great way for the community to connect and take advantage of a range of services to help get back on top. Local expert advice is available to help with planning, adapting and preparing for the future.

Rotary spokesperson David Pearson said: “As a service organisation Rotary is committed to supporting our communities through hard times and recovery. We are delighted to partner with the NRRA in delivering Drought Outreach events and value the fantastic contributions and support from the RRT. We look forward to supporting the RRT to deliver this special Outreach Event at Barcaldine.”

“We should never be afraid of speaking up when we need help, especially when we have good neighbours nearby who are willing to band together to rebuild the community,” 

To celebrate the event, RRT will also be welcoming in the local community for a free BBQ lunch, barista made coffee, while Rotary will be on hand to distribute $500 debit cards to those in need. 

Rotary spokesperson David Pearson said:  eligible recipients of the $500 debit cards will be encouraged to spend them in the local community increasing local turn over to strengthen this important Community hub. 

“For our regional and rural communities to thrive, local families have to thrive. This is why we are donating back to our community because we know that local people support each other,” David said. 

For farmers to register to receive their one-ton feed bag they need to register here before Friday, 10 September 2021.

The feed stock is being purchased locally in a further contribution to the community.  

“We are driven by our values of care and compassion - and we are only happy that we can provide some support in a small way,” Lester from RRT said.

Media enquiries: Bas Bolyn 0447 486 195

Photos show Farmers Community Connect event at Roma in April 2021.

About the Rapid Relief Team (RRT)

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church established the RRT in 2013 to express the Church’s principles of care and compassion. The RRT is staffed by Church volunteers who provide catering services at a range of charitable events and emergencies.

Globally, the RRT has more than 14,500 volunteers and operates in Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, the United States, Canada and Germany.