In February, Hepburn Shire Council in Victoria responded to the drought situation with a community forum – Getting Through: Stock Feed and You. The Shire was declared an Exceptional Circumstances (EC) area last October, but farmers have experienced nearly ten years of drier than average conditions. However, the endurance and strength of the rural community is still evident, with more than 250 people gathering for the drought forum.
Hepburn Shire Mayor, Councillor David Smith, said this attendance demonstrates the great strength of the community.
“We are a rural shire and our farmers make an enormous contribution,” he said. “Many are doing it hard, but the success of this function indicates the ability of the rural sector to support one another in hard times. The evening was a chance for the community to get together and be reminded that they are not struggling alone with this devastating drought. By offering support to one another, even if it is just having someone to have a yarn with, can make all the difference to coping with the worst drought on record.”
Mayor Smith said farmers are the first to be impacted by drought and the last to recover. He said these effects flow through to many others, such as contractors, employees and other businesses. “The recovery to return to profit will take some time if the drought breaks,” Mayor Smith said. However, when attendees were asked by guest speaker and stock feed nutritionist, Charlie Culley, if they thought good rain was on its way, nearly every hand was raised.
The event was held at a local recreation reserve with representatives from a wide range of service providers and agencies offering advice and handing out information. A brochure produced by Hepburn Shire Council listing all services with contact phone numbers and web addresses was among the information available.
Former ALF football player, David ‘Swan’ McKay, who grew up and began his football career in Hepburn came along to speak. Three Ballarat Rooster players also entertained children with a football clinic, while local youth bands provided music and local Landcare groups hosted a free barbecue. Ballarat East MP, Geoff Howard; Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper; and representatives for Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, also attended.
Mayor Smith said that it was a good old fashioned function with country hospitality and spirit. The forum was one of many new initiatives of Council’s Drought Recovery Committee. Formed in January, the committee considers long and short term strategies to address the impact of drought on the community.
Another forum will be held in Hepburn Shire on 21 March to celebrate and recognise volunteers from across the Shire. Several hundred people are expected to attend.
For further information contact Sue Moses, Hepburn’s Communications Officer, on (03) 5321 6451.
