Christmas came early to 50 families north of Nyngan thanks to an act of extraordinary generosity by a group of Sydney-based Turkish Australians, led by kebab shop owner Bill Beha.
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When Mr Beha, from Punchbowl, saw media reports of the devastating drought in western NSW his first thoughts were for the people of the Coolabah, Girilambone and Marra districts, where he and friends have been on annual shooting holidays for the past 25 years.
"I wanted to know how I could help those people who had been so kind to my family and friends," Mr Beha said. "I rang around and it was suggested I put on a big Turkish barbecue."
Within three weeks Mr Beha, supported by his wife Aysa and former Coolabah local John Hall, had organised a feast for at least 200 and gathered 28 tonnes of food, bottled water and Christmas presents.
More than 40 sponsors, including entrepreneur Dick Smith, Kelloggs, Dairy Farmers and individuals from the Sydney Turkish community, donated goods, services and cash to enable Mr Beha to launch the Young Turks Farm Hand Drive.
The drive was mentioned several times on Sydney radio, and singled out by Prime Minister John Howard, Premier Bob Carr and Auburn MP Barbara Perry, all of whom sent messages of support.
Three days before the party, Mr Beha loaded a Hopleys Transport semi-trailer, climbed into an Orix three-tonne rental truck (both donated) and made the eight-hour trip to 'Carlton', 50 kilometres north of Nyngan, where he set up a coolroom donated by Scott's Auto Parts of Dubbo and started cooking 120 kilograms of meat donated by wholesaler Sydney Kebabs.
The $4000 of cash donations were spent at Nyngan Supermarket to add to the grocery haul, and to hampers for each family to take home.
At ‘Carlton' Mr Beha and family and 11 other Turkish friends served up Turkish fare including tabouleh, hommus and Turkish delight.
Before any guest was allowed to leave, their car was loaded up with a hamper which included fresh fruit and vegetables donated by Flemington markets, a carton of rice from SunRice, flour and sugar from Manildra, NeverFail and Mountain Fresh water, long-life milk, fresh eggs, Turkish biscuits, Kellogg's cereals, and non-perishable products.
Event co-organiser, John Hall, was stunned at the generosity of Mr Beha and his team.
"I have known Bill and his family for 25 years and have always been amazed at their hospitality," Mr Hall said.
"Many local business were also keen to help out if needed. The support for this project was astounding."
