Published since 1986
SEPTEMBER, 2018
Elmore Field Days 12 PAGE FEATURE
www.farmernews.com.au
Sheep Sales
Livestock
PAGES 24-25
PAGES 26-27
From little things, big things grow North East residents respond to calls for drought assistance Ű
By RHYLL MCCORMACK
LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG HEARTS: Charlotte and Molly Purcell have already travelled thousands of kilometres with their parents, visiting farmers in drought affected New South Wales. This month they will return, bringing with them care packages, stock feed and – most importantly – hope. The story continues on page 8 of this month’s North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer.
THE rain began to drum gently on the roof of the Purcell family home. Clouds had been gathering all day, dark and foreboding, DQG o QDOO\ WKH WLQQ\ UDWWOH RI corrugated iron was proof the storm was due to break. Four-year-old Charlotte Purcell is the youngest in her family; like many country kids her age, she likes the outdoors, baby lambs and Barbie dolls. Unlike many her age, she is acutely aware that Australian farmers are doing it tough. So, with the rain beginning to pour down outside her Maindample home, Charlotte grabbed her Frozen-inspired bucket and dashed outside. “I’m collecting rain
Mummy,” she called back into the house. “I’m going to give it to farm kids whose animals are dying – maybe they can make some grass grow with it.” Working away in the kitchen, an idea formed in Tanya Purcell’s mind. Why not take her daughters Charlotte, and nineyear-old Molly, and let them see what was happening in New South Wales? There is no experience like WKDW OHDUQHG o UVW KDQG So, inspired by her daughter’s kind heart, the Purcell family packed up their camper and headed north – and although they didn’t take the bucket of rain, they brought with them hope and compassion. “Instead of donating online, like we normally do, we
decided it would be better for WKH JLUOV WR VHH o UVW KDQG ZK\ we need to help the farmers,” Tanya explained. “If a four-year-old can raid her piggy bank to help, imagine what we could all do. “We need our farmers and right now, our farmers need us.” Travelling thousands of kilometres, visiting farmers and local towns, it was the trip of a lifetime; tainted with sadness at the hardships endured, but also with faith that, eventually, the season will break. Back home again in North East Victoria, the Purcells have collected donations for those they met along the way. DVDs, popcorn and lollies for a family who need a movie night.
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Continued page 8
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