The community has come together to help farmers while they face the challenges of the drought, which is affecting the entire state.
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There are several events and collection points throughout the Milton-Ulladulla region to raise funds and collect items for farmers in need.
Among those is the Nowra to Dubbo Drought Relief collection, which has had a “great response” from the Ulladulla collection points.
Ulladulla Floorword and Supa IGA Ulladulla are collecting items for the drive, which will see goods delivered to Dubbo on August 27.
Cindy Peters of Floorworld said she had been brought to tears by the generosity of the community dropping off items.
“Everyone has been fantastic,” she said.
“We have had people drop off prepaid visa cards and Coles shopping vouchers, boxes of toiletries, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, food, water, and even new toys for kids.”
Ms Peters said she decided to collect for the drive after hearing about a farmer sending 55 per cent of his breeding stock to slaughter.
“By the time this drought breaks, that could grow and that will have an affect on so many things,” she said.
“When these farmers do recoup and want to breath again, they are going to have less females to breed with.
“It is just devastating.”
People have also purchased feed from Budget Produce, which will be delivered as part of the Dubbo appeal.
Mrs Peters said more water donations were needed.
Nowra to Dubbo Drought Relief Drive organiser Leeanne Oldfield said she was “amazed” by the Shoalhaven community’s support.
“We’ve had hay donations, we’ve received cheques from individuals in the community,” she said.
At the end of the month Ms Oldfield, her husband and her son will set out for Dubbo where she will then distribute stock to farmers in need.
“When we drive into Dubbo I hope to do a live feed and then they can see how big this has got,” Ms Oldfield said.
For more information on how to donate, visit www.facebook.com/Nowra-to-Dubbo-Drought-Relief-Drive-2263180143941057 or call Leeanne on 0421 027 858.
Meanwhile, the Mollymook Bowling Club is collecting cash or voucher donations to send to farmers affected by the drought.
“We prefer to send cash and vouchers so the shopkeepers in the town get the benefit and it helps all of them,” the club’s managing secretary Alan Shapley said.
“This will be ongoing until the drought breaks.”
The club’s restaurant has also jumped onboard the Parma for the Farmer push, and will donate $1 from every parmigiana sold throughout August to the appeal.