Donations received for the BCA DROUGHT AID program have helped buy more than bales of hay. They have also bought hope and comfort for our farmers.

One recipient writes "….one of the best outcomes of these regular fodder deliveries is that it brings people, especially men, together. It gives them a chance to talk over their situations with others in a similar position. They share ideas and strategies and can just have a chat to someone outside their immediate drought stricken boundaries…"

Those who have received the gift of hay go back to their families encouraged by the assistance and refreshed through the conversations with those in like circumstances. They are relaxed – more able to tackle the days ahead. They have been given hope and the assurance that others care.

Others write - "… the knowledge that people elsewhere in Australia are taking time to help drought stricken farmers makes us realise we’re not alone…"

Now in its fifth month the BCA DROUGHT AID program has received donations totalling $330,000 and delivered over 85 semi-trailer loads of stock fodder to farmers in New South Wales and Queensland. BCA has addressed the farmers’ first need – that of relieving them of their distress by relieving their stock of distress.

BCA, in recognising the roll on effect in local rural communities, has also introduced a voucher system that has enabled farmers and members of rural communities to purchase goods and services locally – helping to maintain the community and their spirit.

Whilst this devastating drought continues BCA will endeavour to support farm families with material, practical, and spiritual support. This is an ongoing appeal to help relieve the farmers of their stress – stock are being kept alive – peoples’ lives are being changed!