Before clubs were forced to close by Covid-19, the Wests Group Macarthur Parma for a Farmer campaign was in full swing and ended up raising $15,152.
The campaign ran from January to March and saw $1 from every chicken schnitzel and parmigiana meal sold across Wests venues donated in support of the local farming community.
The money will go to the Dilly Drought Drive, which is run by a team of volunteers led by local women Sharon Robertson and Tia Veech.
The team at Dilly Drought Drive dedicate their time to supporting farmers from the Campbelltown, Camden, and Wollondilly council areas.
A long period of drought, summer’s bush fires and now Covid-19 have made life tough for some local farming families.
“We are so incredibly grateful for the support of Wests Group Macarthur and what this contribution means to our farmers,’’ said Sharon Robertson on receiving the Parma for a Farmer money.
“This is a boost in our efforts to assist our farmers on their road to recovery and for future proofing their farms and farm businesses.
“One hundred percent of funds raised will be used to deliver practical support in what is now considered a drought recovery phase, with the long-lasting effects of the prolonged dry continuing to impact local farmers,’’ she said.
“This phase includes water delivery and storage solutions to secure future water supply, hay and fodder relief and most importantly food, hampers and gift cards for farmers who have been hurting financially.’’
Earlier in the year, the Wests team visited Dilly Drought Drive Farms to hear first hand just how difficult this period has been.
Seventh generation dairy farmer and Dilly Drought Drive liaison Gavin Moore says prior to receiving rainfall there was only enough water on the farm to see them out only another couple of weeks.
“Without the rain we were looking down the barrel of having to sell the farm and move on as it was going to be impossible to continue without a water resource.’’
He said that one point they had managed to hold a small amount of water reserve on the property, however it was completely drained by firefighting helicopters to protect his and neighbouring properties, leaving his home bone dry and in danger.
Lynette Keneally from Top 40 Orchards had also been dealing with the effects of years of drought, water shortages, lost crops, and financial stress having missed a complete sale season of Christmas trees crops.
In December of 2019, Lynette had to fight a fire wall at her fence line only to have her property and crops wiped out by downpours soon after.
Asked what keeps her going every day after facing such adversity, Lynette said: “It is part of our fibre, and in our DNA. Every time we get wiped out we do our best to turn on our heels, dip a little deeper and maintain the mantra, this too shall pass.’’
Lynette credits her resilience to a thick skin, being part of a strong local community and the financial and emotional support provided by the Dilly Drought Drive.
Both Gavin and Lynette said that the Dilly Drought Drive helped to “get them through”.
Tony Mathew, CEO of Wests Group Macarthur says: “Wests Group wanted to be able to deliver support in a practical and impactful way and are thrilled to be able to contribute to getting farmers back on their feet. We thank our members for getting behind the campaign and helping us to deliver much needed funds to the Dilly Drought Drive”.
For more information on Wests Group Macarthur and their community support endeavours visit www.westslc.com.au
