Drought is one of the toughest hardships rural workers face year-after-year. Greater south-east Queensland communities are suffering from some of the lowest rainfall amounts ever recorded. But the Drought Support Expo is looking to educate drought-affected people on how to find support.
The Lockyer Valley Council is putting the spotlight on the drought and the devastating impact it has on rural landholders. The Lockyer Valley Drought Expo invites drought-affected rural landowners, farmers, stockmen, farmworkers, farm suppliers and anyone else in the agriculture industry who are in a similar situation, to go through how to make it through the current and future droughts safely.
Feel like you’re in a slump during the drought? Well, this could be the perfect place to find what support is available for you and forge close mateships with others in the same position. The expo will cover drought support options, presentations on climate outlook and discuss the importance of looking after your mates and neighbours during hardship. The agriculture industry is the backbone of Queensland, so it’s important to make sure everyone gets through the current drought safely.
The Lockyer Valley and surrounding regions have endured severe rainfall deficiencies for the past six months. Some areas in the West Moreton area have received the lowest recorded amount of rainfall ever, and rural workers are suffering.
The Lockyer Valley Mayor, Councillor Tanya Milligan said the expo would equip suffering agricultural workers with critical information on how to find relief during the drought.
“This drought is continuing to tighten its hold, and this is an opportunity for local rural landholders of all sizes, especially those with drought-affected stock or farms, to come together and connect with drought support options available to them,” she said.
“The importance of mental health and wellbeing during an ongoing drought can’t be overlooked and checking in with your mental health, and that of your neighbours, really is so important.”
Mary O’Brien from “Are you bogged mate?” is the event’s keynote speaker. Mary understands and lives with the pressure of drought and is making a positive difference across the country with her support program.
Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2020
Time: 8.45am – 2.30pm
Where: Gatton Shire Hall, 52 North Street, Gatton
Cost: Free
Other: Gift vouchers available for local produce stores and other prizes will be up for grabs on the day.
Find Out More: https://www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/our-region/drought-support/Pages/Drought%20Support%20Expo.aspx
