R U AWARE WE CARE

Well below average rain and widespread drought across the New England Northwest Region is starting to take its toll. Many farmers have sold off all but their core breeding stock and they have been left hand-feeding for months. Money is tight and debts are mounting.

By donating to the New England Northwest Drought Appeal, you show local farming families that the wider community cares.

When you make a donation, your funds will be loaded onto pre-paid debit cards or vouchers, and distributed directly to local landholders to help pay bills and buy essential items.

The flow-on effect of your act of kindness then sees local business boosted from spending into the local economy – this is especially true of our smaller towns and villages.

Donations of pet food, non perishable foods and toiletry items including nappies, are also welcome.

AUCTION

Lee Kernaghan Signed Guitar

Australian country music superstar Lee Kernaghan has kindly donated and signed a black Fender acoustic guitar to be auctioned. 🎸

The auction for the guitar will be live until 2pm Sunday 22nd with ALL funds being donated to drought affected farmers.

To make this your own, click here to make a bid.

Slim Dusty Painting

Painted by 16 year old artist Lillian Chin, this canvas portrait is a one of a kind original of one of Australia's country music legends Slim Dusty.

The painting is up for auction until 2pm Sunday 22nd with ALL funds being donated to drough affected farmers.

So to own this one of kind painting click here to make a bid.

MAKE A DONATION

YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

Make a donation today

Thank you for your support of farming families in the New England Northwest Region.

When you click the donate button below, you will be transferred to a payment portal for the Salvation Army who are administering the funds for this Appeal. As you will see, your money will be paid into a dedicated “RU Aware, We Care” account which the Salvation Army will draw from to offer financial assistance to farmers in the New England Northwest Region.

We are grateful for the support and assistance of the Salvation Army who are best placed to assess need, and administer in-kind of cash assistance to farming families. Importantly, the Salvation Army are a registered charity and you can nominate to receive a tax invoice.

All monies raised, go directly to our farmers.

DONATE

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

Go shopping for a farming family

If you have pet food, non perishable foods or toiletry items including nappies that you’d like to donate to farmers in the New England North West Region, please drop it at one of the following businesses and we’ll turn it into hampers to be delivered by the Salvation Army and CWA:

West Tamworth League Club
58 Phillip Street, West Tamworth

Centrepoint Tamworth
374 Peel St, Tamworth NSW 2340

Tamworth Shoppingworld
Cnr Bridge St & Denne St, West Tamworth NSW 2340

Tamworth Square
432 Peel Street, Tamworth, NSW 2340

Carlo’s IGA Calala
Shop 7, 10 Campbell Rd, Calala

Carlo's Super IGA Tamworth
Cnr Robert Rd and Links Ave

Carlo's Super IGA Quirindi
56-64 George St, Quirindi

Carlo's IGA Manilla
165 Manilla St, Manilla

Carlo's IGA Walcha
16 Fitzroy Street, Walcha

Northgate Shopping Centre
Piper St, Tamworth

Register to take a collection tin

Would your workplace or community group like to help raise money by registering for an “RU Aware, We Care” donation tin?

Simply complete the form below and one of our team will call to discuss collection and deposit procedures.

Name *

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Business Name

Mailing Address *

Mailing Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

About the appeal.

Aussie farmers are the backbone of our country and work tirelessly to put food on our tables but in tough times like these, they need our help and support

“RU Aware, We Care” is a joint initiative of 88.9FM and Tamworth Regional Council with the generous support of the Wests Entertainment Group, Salvation Army Tamworth, CWA, Tamworth Business Chamber and the NSW Farmers Association.

All donations will assist farming families who need a helping hand from the New England Northwest Region.

You can be assured that your donation will assist a family in your LGA, especially when you make a donation and provide a corresponding postcode.

Cr Col Murray, Mayor of Tamworth Region

“No donation is too small. Whether you go shopping for a farmer, make a cash donation or run your own fundraising event, it all helps and when help it’s most needed”

Kevin Tongue, NSW Farmers Associations

“Farmers are some of the proudest people I know and they won’t like asking for help but the reality is, during times of drought, many need a helping hand to survive. I’m pleased to say, this appeal offers that support and with dignity”

DONATE

FOR FARMERS

Register for assistance (from this Appeal)

Farming families requiring financial or in-kind assistance from this Appeal should contact The Salvation Army immediately for assessment by text, email or in person at the Corps - text: 0408990883 or email: chaplaincysupport@aue.salvationarmy.org

Visit the Drought Hub

Drought support has changed in NSW. Landholders are encouraged to visit the DPI Droughthub (www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au) for information on the services and support available during drought conditions. You can also download the North West Drought Support Factsheet HERE.

Tamworth Regional Council Rates Hardship

Council recognises there are cases of genuine financial hardship requiring respect and compassion. Council has a ‘Ratepayers Hardship Policy’ which provides guidelines for the assessment of hardship applications. If you cannot pay your rates by the dates required then please contact Council’s Debt Recovery Officer on 1300 733 625 to discuss alternate payment arrangements.

For further information, see the Hardship Rate Relief Policy and Hardship Rate Relief Application Form.