In September, 2002 the Bush Church Aid Society set in place a drought relief program to respond to the drought difficulties which were affecting 1000’s of rural families in Northern New South Wales and Queensland.

They undertook a fund raising campaign to facilitate the purchase of stock fodder for delivery to areas affected by the worst drought in 100 years.

They mobilised their BCA Nomads – groups of volunteers who would travel to the drought stricken areas, entirely at their own expense, to lend a helping hand to exhausted farmers – and to provide a listening ear.

Vouchers were provided for use at local stores acknowledging the roll on effect the drought has on rural communities.

13 months on the situation had not changed – fodder deliveries continued, vouchers were being supplied and BCA Nomads continued to help on the land, some returning to help farmers they had visited months before. Regrettably the last road train of fodder was delivered into Lightning Ridge on October 9^th, 2003.*

BCA Drought Aid program has turned over $¾ million and -

• 100 roadtrains (or the equivalent of 200 semi-trailer loads) of stock fodder have been delivered

• 21 different locations throughout NSW & Queensland have received BCA donated fodder

• It is estimated that some 700 farming families have been assisted

Letters from the recipients of hay indicate that the real value of the bale of hay has not so much been in the hay but in the RESULTS of the fodder drop. One recipient wrote :

The Drought Aid program, combining the delivery of stock fodder, practical and pastoral assistance from BCA Nomads and the provision of vouchers for use in local community stores, has provided a gateway to help address the dilemma in which so many in remote and rural areas still find themselves.

*Any future donations received for drought relief will be received through BCA’s Kirkby Trust (tax-deductible). The Trust will be in a position to assist communities and individuals throughout Australia who are suffering hardship, distress or misfortune caused by disasters.

Sidney James Kirkby was the pioneer of The Bush Church Aid Society and was concerned as much for the human situations isolated and remote people found themselves in, as he was with the spiritual. The Kirkby Trust was set up in his name to remember and honour the benevolent work that Kirkby did amongst rural and isolated people in the remote parts of Australia in the 1920’s.

For further information please contact either –

Brian Roberts Robyn Williams

National Director Administration Manager

Email : brian@bushchurchaid.com.au Email : robyn@bushchurchaid.com.au

Phone : 02 9262 5017 Fax : 02 9262 5020