June 8, 2016
More than 200 South Burnett farmers got to attend Farmfest in Toowoomba for free on Wednesday, thanks to a Community Drought Relief grant from the Department Of Communities, Child Safety and Disabilities.
The grant was given to the South Burnett Regional Council, who worked with Pursers Coaches to organise the logistics of picking up four busloads of farmers from 11 pick-up points around the region early on Wednesday morning.
“We were very fortunate to receive funding to support an initiative that helps our primary producers get through challenging times,” Cr Ros Heit said.
“During prolonged droughts farmers can get very isolated, and this can lead to depression and even suicide.
“But initiatives like these get farmers out, talking to old friends, making new friends, sharing stories and supporting one another, and this can do more to improve their mental well-being than anything else”.
The South Burnett buses arrived at Farmfest a little after 9:00am which gave the group all day to look over the large number of displays at the popular agricultural show.
The farmers were also treated to a free lunch, courtesy of AgForce Queensland.
Cr Heit and Crs Kathy Duff, Roz Frohloff and Danita Potter accompanied the tour groups to share the day with local producers, as well as hear their concerns at first hand.
“It was a fabulous day,” Cr Duff said.
“Our farmers had a great time, which is invaluable when times are tough on the land”.
