As Christmas approaches, drought-affected farmers are feeling the pressure to provide for their families, says Drought Angels.
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For November so far, 33 millimetres of rain has fallen in Dubbo. It’s more than half the average for the month at 60.3mm.
October also saw the skies open, with 90.4mm hitting the city.
But Drought Angels director Tash Johnston said it was not enough.
“The drought hasn’t broken. There hasn’t been enough rain where we need it,” Ms Johnston said.
“There’s been rain on the east coast but we need follow up rain. Even when it does rain there’s a big road ahead.”
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According to the Department of Primary Industries, 98 per cent of NSW is still in one of the three drought categories. At the end of September, 10 per cent of NSW was categorised as intense drought, half was in drought and another 38 per cent was drought-affected.
Dubbo Wellington and Narromine are in drought according to the DPI, while Peak Hill is experiencing intense drought.
However, Ms Johnston said attention had started to drift away from the drought.
“It’s definitely died down. Donations have started to slow down and I think the drought has stopped being in the forefront of people’s mind,” Ms Johnston said.
“I think it’s human nature, we have a short attention span. It’s not about people not caring.”
There simply wasn’t enough money or hay to help every farmer and save every animal, the Drought Angels director said, but those who were able to receive a little bit of help were extremely grateful.
“There’s a lot of depression, a lot of stress, a lot of worry and a lot of heartbreak. They’re trying to put on a nice Christmas for their families but times are tough.”
Ms Johnston said apart from donating to charities like the Drought Angels, the best way Dubbo residents could help farmers in need was to buy Australian-made products.
Just swapping out a few items, such as a can of baked beans, for an Australian brand could make a huge difference, she said.