April 23, 2021
Farmers got two events for the price of one on Thursday in Kingaroy … although both, of course, were free!
The first was the Drought Community Outreach at the Kingaroy Town Hall, organised in conjunction with the National Drought and Flood Agency.
Members of Kingaroy Rotary were looking after the free barbecue in the forecourt while inside the hall nine stalls were distributing information about various forms of assistance available to farming families affected by drought.
Stalls included Centrelink, Drought Angels, the Rural Financial Counselling Service, Rural Aid and BIEDO … but probably the most popular was the Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) table in front of the stage.
Farmers, farm workers, suppliers and contractors could apply for $500 debit cards, if affected by drought.
RAWCS was awarded a Federal Government grant in 2020 to distribute debit cards to eligible households that were experiencing financial hardship due to drought, and stimulate local economies.
The second event on Thursday was BIEDO’s regular South Burnett Ag Network Meeting, which was to be held at the Town Common Hall but was shifted to the Kingaroy Town Hall Supper Room to allow farmers to browse the drought assistance stalls.
Guest speaker at the Ag Network Meeting was Andrew Mullins, from the Department of Environment and Science.
Andrew, from Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, spoke about protected plant regulations.
