By Emilie Ng
TRUCKLOADS of cattle feed, vegetables, baked goods and pantry items arrived to drought-stricken families in Longreach last week as a result of a Fodder Drive run by Nudgee’s Catholic school community.
Families from St Joseph’s, Nudgee College donated a total 70 tonnes of feed, 3.5 tonnes of vegetables, more than 800 containers of homemade Anzac biscuits and various pantry items.
Fifteen struggling families received the feed, while the produce and pantry items will be shared among families who have not had access to fresh vegetables because of the drought.
It was a much-needed gift to the people of Longreach, one of 38 council areas in the drought, which according to Agriculture Minister John McVeigh “had now reached record levels”.
Mr McVeigh estimated a recovery period of three years for the rural farming industry, even if drought-breaking rain fell over the coming months.
Nudgee College principal Daryl Hanly said the Fodder Drive was the school community’s way of “recognising, honouring and supporting those whose forebears now need our help”.
“Whether it was purchasing a bale of hay for $160, donating fresh produce or the trucks to freight the hay, baking Anzac biscuits or arranging support tins at their businesses, the entire Nudgee College community came together to help those in need on the land,” he said.
The Fodder Drive’s arrival coincided with a drought concert organised by the Longreach Council on Thursday, May 15 and a visit by the Nudgee College Cattle Club to the Longreach Show over the weekend.
