Supporting small rural
communities impacted by drought
Alpha, Monto, Cunnamulla and
Gayndah are
the Queensland winners of Rural Aid’s inaugural Ten Town Makeover initiative
which aims to highlight the impact of one of the worst droughts in history on
small country towns.
Established
within Rural Aid’s Sustainable Community program, the 10 country towns will
receive a minimum of $100,000 commitment to support the makeover of the towns over
a five-year period.
The
$100,000 includes:
- $10,000 for town leaders to workshop with experts in
rural/regional town renewal with the aim of developing a long-term renewal
strategy. These facilitated workshops will support the long-term sustainability of the town and local
community.
- $90,000 will be spent on materials for maintenance projects
identified by the town leaders, that fits within our scope of work. If
available, materials will be sourced locally to support local businesses.
Rural
Aid’s Farm Army of volunteers (usually between 50 – 100) will spend a week in
the town in the first year bringing a welcome financial injection to the town’s
local businesses. Our support over the remaining years will be determined by
the leaders of the town once the plans for the town have been developed.
Amy Palmer from Cunnamulla said, “I was so shocked and
then so excited to hear that we had been a successful applicant. I think I was
a little bit incoherent for a few seconds. Then a feeling of relief mixed with
my excitement because someone was coming to help breathe new life into our town
and show society where we are struggling to keep our committee going. I felt
like this was an exciting new chapter for us and just couldn’t believe we were
so lucky.”
“Also, to our own community who love where
they live and are proud to be battling these tough times together. I believe it
will bring hope, even though the drought is continuous and heartbreaking, we
will continue to thrive and find new ways to keep our spirit alive.”
Alpha’s Queensland Police Sergeant,
Brian Smith said, “As a community, we were overwhelmed to hear that our town
was fortunate enough to be selected. We are a rural town who, like many other
small rural towns, have been hit with many years of drought and the hardships
that are associated with them. The money will boost spirits to the
revitalisation of an asset within our community.”
We
are hoping the Ten Towns will help us develop our small community to provide
tourism opportunities, wellbeing and a place the community, as a whole, can
come together with families and loved ones,” Sgt Brian Smith said.
Carly Baker-Burnham from Monto
said, “When Tracy from Rural Aid called, I had to sit
down. It was a feeling of brief disbelief, followed by absolute joy and
elation. The feeling of hope rose from my stomach to my heart. Monto
is so grateful for this opportunity, it will bring such a buzz of energy and positivity. We
really need it, like most communities in rural Australia. We are one of lucky
ones!”
“We
hope and we know that the Ten Towns Initiative will bring the community
together to reimagine Monto. We will be reminded of what it means to be
part of a fabulous community. Rural Aid will inject money, time and love
into our little humble town and our community will blossom,” Carly
Baker-Burnham said.
North
Burnett Regional Councillor John Zahl from Gayndah said, “I
am a little stunned and overwhelmed. This is a great sense of achievement that
yes, we have been selected, and that there is someone, somewhere else, who does
care not only for our town and community but others in the same boat. I feel very
privileged and fortunate – a great thrill, and personally, a degree of pride in
being able to help our great town.”
“Probably most importantly,
the effect that this endeavour will have on the mental wellbeing of our
community – the very positive effect – the mere attendance of Rural Aid and its
support will lift spirits and re-enforce belief that others care. The works and
presence will be long lasting. This is not just a quick short visit, but a long-term
engagement with Gayndah and is ongoing and help keep us on the map. This will
be a great opportunity to engage our community in planning our future.”
CEO of Rural Aid, Charles Alder says, “While the focus is largely on
the impact of the drought on farmers and their families, equal attention should
be given to the impact on rural communities. Small country towns play a
critical role in supporting the social and economic fabric of their local
communities. This initiative will lift morale and inject much needed capital into the local community
“Small towns have
a unique symbiotic relationship
with the farms located around them. Farmers rely on their local town for off farm income through
employment, farm employees and services from the local doctor, teachers,
dentists, accountants and government support staff. Then there’s the small
businesses like the local pharmacy, grocery, butcher, bakery, bank and rural
supply company. Take these
towns out of the equation and the local ecosystem is impacted forever.”
We received
over 60 applications and every one of the unsuccessful towns will be supported
by Rural Aid in the future.
QLD Town Contacts:
Alpha – Brian Smith,0437741940
Cunnumulla – Amy Palmer,0438730180
Gayndha – John Zahl,0458625005
Monto – Carly Baker-Burnham,0427675115
The winners
from other states include: NSW – Walgett, Coolah, Brewarrina and Barraba, SA –
Orroroo, Victoria – Lockington.
For more information go to:
www.ruralaid.org.au
About Rural Aid
Rural Aid supports farmers and rural communities in times of
natural disaster such as flood, fire and drought. In addition, Rural Aid
focusses on supporting the sustainability of regional and farming communities. Its disaster relief program includes the nationally
recognised Buy a Bale campaign. Other programs include providing volunteer
support to rural towns, musical instruments to regional schools and mental
health counselling. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further
information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.
Media enquiries: Raylee
Huggett – 0447 116 757
