The custodians of our food bowl are facing unprecedented challenges as they battle unrelenting drought in much of Queensland.
With 57 per cent of the state suffering from drought – and many finding it hard to put food on their table and keep their stock alive – it’s clear the suburban population need to step in.
Our hard-working farmers need some relief.
- Read more: Drought haunts western Queensland
- Read more: More than half of Queensland still in drought
- Read more: Living on hope and stock routes
Today, Queensland Country Life and North Queensland Register have joined forces with Brisbane radio station 4BC and the Buy A Bale charity to launch The Big Dry Drought Appeal.
It’s an initiative that started in Maitland, NSW, and expanded as drought conditions declined in NSW and awareness of the ongoing drought in Queensland grew.
Take a look at the Queensland drought for yourself
The Queensland appeal will raise money to buy hay, water, fuel for transport and groceries - which will be distributed through gift cards at the farmer’s nominated supermarket. That way, the money will go back into the local economy which also suffers during drought.
Workplaces can get involved too and collect funds with a donation barrel or help fill a hay truck.
Businesses can sponsor a hay truck and have their banner displayed on the back of the truck.
Fairfax Media’s Agricultural Publishing managing editor Brad Cooper said supporting the Buy A Bale initiative was a way for Queensland Country Life and the North Queensland Register to give back to the readers they serve.
Every day our journalists, many of whom work and live in communities impacted by drought, tell the heartbreaking stories of producers and their families doing it tough in the face of extreme weather events
- Brad Cooper
"Part of our service is to bring attention from key decision makers to the issue, but it's also satisfying that we're able to help in a real and tangible way to deliver immediate help where it is needed most."
Macquarie Media Limited CEO Adam Lang said 4BC had an unparalleled relationship with the metropolitan audience of Brisbane, who were interested, engaged and responsive.
Many of our programs are also networked regionally and we directly understand the exceptional challenges that are facing many Australians in those communities experiencing drought. They are often the last to ask for help and we know that so many members of our audience want to assist where they can
- Adam Lang
“On behalf of our presenters and all staff, we are delighted to partner with Fairfax Media for The Big Dry Drought Appeal to encourage donations for this urgent assistance.”
How can you help?
Donate to buy hay, water and groceries
Funds raised for groceries will be used to buy gift cards at the farmer’s local supermarket. That way, the money raised in the Hunter will go back into the region’s economy.
Money put towards water will be spent locally while hay will be sourced from outside the Hunter and transported to farmers because of a lack of supply in the region.
Get involved at work:
Pop money in a barrel, or help fill a hay truck
Take on the challenge at work and see how far you can go.
Sponsor a truck load of hay
Businesses can also sponsor a truck load of hay. Sponsorship money will flow into the Hunter account and be put towards supplies.
Farmers: register here for help
Click here to register for help from Buy A Bale.