Flannos on for farmers in Creswick

THERE were people sporting flannelette shirts in nearly every aisle at IGA Creswick last Friday 15 August as the supermarket hosted a special fundraising event as part of the Farm Angels’ Flanno for a Farmer campaign.

It’s a national initiative that’s raised over $23.1 million to date, supporting more than 1488 rural communities and more than 5000 primary producing families across Australia.

To help boost donations, IGA Creswick hosted a sausage sizzle, a raffle for a chocolate hamper, a performance by the Creswick Cloggers and country-flavoured live music by s.o.f.t. cover band.

Flanno for a Farmer is aiming to raise $500,000 this year and people eager to support it could purchase a $2 token from any participating IGA and IGA Local Grocer stores across Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, South Australia, and the Northern Territory up to 19 August.

Backing ag: Farmers, Allendale’s Laura Quick and Blampied’s Amanda Gray, were among those flannoing up for a cause at Creswick IGA. Photo: EVIE LAMB

IGA Creswick owner Steve Sellar said all proceeds from Friday’s special activities were being donated to supporting mental health charity Blue Tree Project.

All proceeds from the tokens were going to Farm Angels that offer a wide range of support to struggling farmers, including delivering stock feed.

Creswick IGA has been working with farmers in the area on the initiative. Local potato farmer Andy Maher, Allendale mixed farmer Laura Quick and Blampied cattle farmer Amanda Gray attended.

“It’s very signficant for us,” said Ms Gray.

“A lot of farmers often work on their own. This is making farmers feel supported and seen. After-all, we are feeding Australia.”

Ms Quick said that while recent rainfall has helped the region’s primary producers, more rain is desperately needed to replenish water storages including dams and irrigation sources.

“It’s such a tough year,” Ms Quick said.

IGA Creswick owner Steve Sellar with some of the $2 tokens that are going to support farmers.

“Lots of people have gone well beyond their budget feeding stock this year. Yes the rain we have had has helped, but run-off for our water storages and irrigation is desperately needed.”

Mr Sellar said the tokens have been selling well since they became available a couple of weeks prior to Friday’s event, and he encouraged people to keep supporting the initiative.

Flanno for a Farmer aims to provide support including financial aid, emotional assistance or natural disaster recovery to help Aussie farmers get back on their feet in times of distress. Visit flannoforafarmer.com.au.