Nundle Rainmakers Community Dinner hits all the right notes

Nundle Rainmakers Community Dinner was a sold-out event with a three-course meal and live music.

“The mood of the night was so positive and uplifting for everyone,” co-ordinator Teree Burr said.

“You couldn’t silence the crowd; all they were doing was reconnecting and catching up.”

Read also:

The event was held in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries’ Rural Resilience Program, and Drought Angels.

Jenkins Street Guesthouse catered, and the entertainment was from local musicians Brendan Nawrocki, Jeff “Gibbo” Gibson and John Krsulja.

Mrs Burr said it “really hit all the objectives we wanted it to” during a tough time for many, brought on by the drought.

“First and foremost, there was the social reconnection,” she said.

“It was something to look forward to and come to that was inexpensive: dinner, BYO drinks – easy.

”One farmer’s wife said to me, ‘It was a brilliant event; we just liked being there and talking to other farmers in our community who are going through the same thing as us.”

The second aim had been to inform – and even bring to the event – some of the different supports available to them.

Drought Angels and DPI representatives spoke to the crowd and individuals about their services, and guests also received a package of information to take home.

“So many times, we hear those stories about people finding it so hard to ask for help, and by the time they ask for it they are desperate,” Mrs Burr said.

“We gave out farmer information bags full of really good resources and contacts and brochures on where they can get support.”

But the bags also contained other goodies such as gift cards from local businesses.

“It really made them feel very loved and appreciated and supported.”