With the seriousness of the drought becoming ever more apparent, Australians from all walks of life are digging deep to help our struggling farmers.

And last Friday saw an extraordinary example of this generous spirit, with the arrival in Condobolin of twenty-three road trains loaded with 1,200 tonnes to assist drought-stricken farmers and their families.

The convoy had travelled 3,500 kilometre from Northam, Western Australia across the Nullabor, stopping at Ceduna, Port Augusta and Broken Hill, before arriving in Condobolin. The 2,300 bales of donated hay are worth $660,000 and will be distributed to 200 grateful farmers.

The convoy is being donated by the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), an initiative of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, and is staffed by church volunteers.

Spokesperson for the Rapid Relief Team, Michael Wilson, said they are always looking for opportunities to provide gestures of compassion and support to those in need.

“This drought is affecting everyone right across NSW, so we knew we needed to pitch in and raise funds to relieve our state’s farmers who are currently doing it very tough,” said Mr Wilson. 

Federal Member for Hume, Angus Taylor was also in Condobolin to help with the arrival of the hay and will be assisting the Rapid Relief Team in further fodder deliveries.

“It’s terrific to see so many people and organisations, from the city and country, who are rallying to support NSW farming communities and I particularly acknowledge the Rapid Relief Team’s generous contributions,” said Mr Taylor.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro had plenty of praise for the volunteer effort and said the fundraising and logistics in securing the hay was nothing short of extraordinary.

“The Rapid Relief Team has shown incredible generosity and compassion in organising this cross-country delivery of hay,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Recently, as a government we announced a $1 billion drought relief package for NSW farmers, but everyone knows governments can only do so much, and it’s day’s like today that show what’s possible when all of us combine our efforts to support people that are hurting.”

For local Condobolin farmer Fiona Aveyard the donation is reassurance that their plight is being heard in the city and metropolitan areas.

“We need all the assistance we can possibly receive during these desperate times for us, so this donation is a fantastic and much appreciated step in the right direction,” said Ms Aveyard.

For more information about the Rapid Relief Team, go to https://www.rapidreliefteam.org/

This shows yet again the difference between how slow governments move against how quickly ordinary people move. What an inspiring story, and such an example for others on how to turn words and thoughts into action and deeds.