This Thursday’s fodder drop at Bundarra is a sign the community is well aware of the difficult times being faced by farmers in the Bundarra and Barraba areas.

The Nationals Duty Senator for New England John Williams who has led the fight to seek Exceptional Circumstances relief for the district has thanked the organisations involved.

Senator Williams said approximately 250 bales of hay will be distributed at the Bundarra Showground on Thursday, and more than 100 additional bales will be available in weeks to come.

“It is through the efforts of Hands Across NSW, Country Energy and the Armidale office of Livestock Health and Pest Authority that this has been made possible, and agencies such as Centrelink and Landcare will join with psychologists and mental health workers to spend a few hours talking with the farmers and their families.

This is a wonderful gesture, and although the 400 bales may not seem a huge amount spread amongst the number of farmers in severe difficulty, it is a sign that they haven’t been forgotten.

A positive announcement by the National Rural Advisory Council and a good fall of rain would top off the week”, Senator Williams said.

The fodder will arrive at Bundarra Showground at 9am.

ENDS