There’s “a real excitement” as farmers and village residents count down the days to the Nundle Rainmakers Community Dinner on Saturday.
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Co-ordinator Teree Burr said it would be a full house, with 150 adults and children booked in to enjoy the three-course dinner and entertainment at the local hall.
And even people outside the area have bought tickets – either for themselves or to allow a local to attend at no cost.
“People from Sydney, WA, Nelson Bay are buying two or four tickets and donating them back to local farmers,” Mrs Burr said.
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“People are staying at the guesthouse, and they see the poster and leave money at the counter to donate.”
She said the aim of the sold-out event was to “celebrate friendships, engage in conversation and exchange ideas and support” among farming families during the drought.
“The situation around here is bleak … they’re all working tireless days and have been for months: feeding out and having their stock on the road,” she said.
“I’m having farmers calling me – women especially – sobbing, going, ‘It’s so good to have something to look forward to; I need a break, I need to see my friends, I need to catch up with everyone’.”
The guests will also be able to learn about the services and support available from rural charity group Drought Angels.
“All proceeds for our event we are channelling back into Drought Angels,” Mrs Burr said.
What’s planned
Jenkins Street Guesthouse will provide the dinner; local musicians John Krsulja, Jeff “Gibbo” Gibson and Brendan Nawrocki will perform; and there will be games, a kids’ corner, raffles and an auction.
“The DNA of the event is about locals supporting locals,” Mrs Burr said.
“We very much want the tone of the event to be uplifting.”
The event is being run in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries’ Rural Resilience Program, and Drought Angels.
“They are doing so much work in NSW right now and they are a fantastic well-established charity that has helped so many,” Mrs Burr said.
“I hope if there is anyone around here in real need, they find the courage to ask for help.”