PYALONG Neighbourhood House is aiming to again be a beacon of support for struggling farmers, with a repeat of its successful community food and goods drive to assist farming families affected by drought.
Neighbourhood House President and architect of the food drive, Moira Way, said that while Mitchell Shire was not officially declared a drought area, there were many farming families struggling to keep food on the table with many having to buy food for their stock due to lack of growth in the district.
Mitchell Shire Council has requested that the State Government declares the Shire a drought area.
“The community got behind us in 2018 and made that Food for Farmers Drive a great success and we are looking forward to repeating that success for local farming families who are experiencing tough times both in feeding their stock and themselves,” Ms Waye said.
“This year’s program will see every family receiving a relief box and if they feel that they do not need it they will be asked to pass it on to a family who does,” she added.
“In 2018 we has dozens of volunteers band together to assemble hampers filled with essential items, from non-perishable food and baby products to dog food, warm clothing, blankets, and small comforts like lip balm. Each hamper includes a handwritten note of encouragement, messages that often moved recipients to tears.”
To date the Neighbourhood House has 120 boxes ready to be filled. The boxes were donated by Visy Packaging as a result of a call to the company by Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell.
Locals can contribute by dropping off donations of non-perishable food, pet supplies, baby goods, and blankets to the Pyalong Neighbourhood House, 13 High Street or the Pyalong General Store on days when the Neighbourhood House is closed. There are plans to expand food drop off points into the wider community.
“The feedback we receive from farmers tell us just how much these small gestures mean. It’s not just about food, it’s about letting families on the land know they are not forgotten,” Ms Waye said.
Pyalong Neighbourhood House is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and Mondays from 9am to 1pm. Community members can contact the team on 5785 1462 or via email at pyalong@gmail.com.
