Red Cross launches drought appeal

AUSTRALIAN Red Cross has launched an appeal to help Australian farmers and communities living in severely drought-affected regions.

Funds raised through the Disaster Relief and Recovery Appeal, which runs to the end of this month, will be distributed where they are needed most, ensuring community input.

Red Cross chief executive officer Judy Slayter said farmers in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland in particular have been badly affected by prolonged dry weather conditions.

Figures show that 99 per cent of NSW and 57 per cent of Queensland are in drought and, with a presence across regional and remote Australia, Red Cross members and volunteers have been mobilising to support communities locally.

“It’s time for everyone to rally together and show their support for drought-affected farmers and farming communities who are doing it tough,” Ms Slayter said.

“We know this is a difficult time for farmers, their families and their communities across the country and we see first-hand how hard it is for people with ongoing financial and social responsibilities.

“In regional and remote locations, for many years our teams of volunteers and members have been there at the grass roots to lift community spirit, holding events to give people vital social connections, a shoulder to lean on and relief when it’s needed most.”

Commonwealth Bank has contributed $1.75 million to support the appeal, and customers and members of the community can now make donations at branches Australia-wide.

“We are delighted Commonwealth Bank has generously contributed $1.75 million to our appeal, and I would like to congratulate them for acknowledging the growing need for support in communities affected by severe drought,” Ms Slayter said.

Australians can support the effort by donating to the Disaster Relief and Recovery Appeal online at redcross.org.au/drought, phoning 1800 RED CROSS or by donating in person at a Commonwealth Bank branch.