IT’S been a summer of mixed blessings for many in Queensland’s Central West parishes – for some it’s beautifully wet and for others miserably dry. Graziers in that region have been battling through drought for almost a decade, one of the worst on record, and parishes have been praying for rain. Some parishioners have had their prayers answsered while others ... Read More »
Tag Archives: farmers
Powerful drought photos in social media project show farmers strength during tough times
A PROFESSIONAL photographer with a keen eye for the outback is working with volunteers in one of Queensland’s hardest hit drought regions on a project showcasing their resilience during hard times. Anne Smith, from Airlie Beach, is working with volunteer photographers in the Barcaldine region – locals capturing their own images of the drought, these volunteers are participating in a ... Read More »
Federal government’s $190 million relief package too late for some Catholic farmers
BLEAK. A single word to describe the black, parched land in western Queensland, where rain hasn’t fallen for six months – longer in many parts – and the stations have sent the last remaining cattle away. “No, she’s pretty crook. It looks like a big dustbowl,” Ilfracombe parishioner and citizen of the year June Machin said. Sunday Mass is celebrated ... Read More »
‘Fantastic’ rain brings relief to several communities up north
TRAFFIC is not a word Corena Powers uses much in Mount Isa. But that’s what graced the Good Shepherd parish secretary’s morning school drop-off just days after what was the heaviest rainfall through the north-west Queensland city in years. Flooding of the Leichhardt River shut down two of Mount Isa’s bridges, forcing all traffic to and from the city to ... Read More »
Bundaberg farmers thank God for first drops of rain in three months
IN drought-stricken Childers, the Catholic faithful have been praying for rain – and it’s working. Each Monday afternoon for the past five weeks, Carmelites of Mary Immaculate Father Sunny Mathew has joined his parishioners in prayer in the town’s Sacred Heart Church. On March 14, substantial rain fell for the first time in three months – drenching farms and cattle ... Read More »
Regional Queensland hit hard by rising suicide rate
IN the rural South Burnett region, death from suicide has been almost double the rate compared to Brisbane. The region is in the north of the Brisbane archdiocese, yet it is lacking in the vital services– psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health nurses – which can help reduce self inflicted injuries and deaths Between 2009 and 2013 there were 18 deaths ... Read More »