June 3, 2013
A Community Action Group (CAG) made up of job seekers has helped nine flood-affected farmers in the South Burnett since March.
South Burnett CTC, South Burnett Regional Council and the National Australia Bank worked with the Federal Government to establish the group, which was set up under the Job Services Australia Program.
Most of the farmers helped were in the Brooklands and Byee areas.
The group spent about two weeks at Robert Haack and Caroline Broersma’s property near Goodger, removing debris from fences and cultivation and also reconstructing fences that had been washed out by flood waters.
A CAG spokesman said Robert and Caroline were very surprised they had been approached to be provided with this assistance.
Robert said he had been wiped out five times as a result of flooding during his time as a farmer, and this was the first time he had gained outside assistance.
He made special mention of the CAG men from Murgon who were “exceptional workers”.
Their previous experience in fencing and a great attitude were outstanding, he said.
Rob and Caroline’s children were on holidays when the group were on site and worked alongside the men and women, who Rob said were very polite and well-mannered in the presence of their children. Robert said that the assistance was very much appreciated.
The crew have also spent about three days at Peter, Margaret and Brett Enkelmann’s property at Byee.
The CAG spokesman said the Enkelmanns were very happy with the crew and surprised at how quickly they were able to get through the tasks set out for them.
Brett commented on how well the crew worked together and made special mention of Sandra Davies, the supervisor, who he said was doing a great job getting the crew organised and was keeping the work flowing.
The CAG activity has seen 18 voluntary participants provide a much-needed workforce to assist in removing the volumes of debris from fences, paddocks and cultivation, reconstruct fences and remove and stack irrigation pipe.
The participants worked four days a week, with lots of encouragement from their supervisor Sandra and with minimal impact on the busy farmers’ time.
The Federal Government and National Australia Bank assisted with funding for the supervisor and bus transport to and from the worksites.
South Burnett Regional Council representatives Greg Griffiths and Denise Whyte prepared the list of farmers in need of assistance and South Burnett CTC’s Liz Geppert co-ordinated the entire activity.
“Together these stakeholders and our local unemployed people have demonstrated what can be achieved when we all work together to meet our community’s needs,” the CAG spokesman said.
