COINCIDING with the annual influx of many from the bush into Brisbane for the Ekka (or Royal Queensland Show), a group of Catholic schoolgirls are doing their bit to send a message that city slickers have not forgotten about those doing it tough on the land.
Year 8 students at Mt St Michael’s College at Ashgrove know that recent rain has not solved the problems of many people in rural Australia hit hard by prolonged drought.
The girls have been gathering supplies that will be used in “care packages” distributed to farming families in need, west of the Great Dividing Range.
Co-ordinator of the Downs and West Drought Appeal Sister of Charity Christine Henry visited the students recently to accept their gifts.
Sr Henry’s visit coincided with the college’s Mary Aikenhead Day, commemorating the founder of the Sisters of Charity who was devoted to social justice.
Sr Henry said the care packages would be a godsend for recipients.
“It is comforting for the people on the land to know that they aren’t alone but are strongly supported by their neighbours in the cities,” Sr Christine said.
“The drought and its implications are far from over. At least one in four farming families has hit the wall and is talking about life after farming.”
The Downs and West Drought Appeal team makes fortnightly visits to families and small country towns affected by the drought.
Since May last year, 800 household hampers and four truckloads of stock feed have been among the offerings distributed.
