A WANGI Men’s Shed delegation has returned from a visit to drought-stricken Merriwa shocked and vowing to return to the Upper Hunter community with more members to run an extended working bee to help time-poor farmers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Men’s Shed members Richard Worsely and Richard Nicholson recently visited Merriwa to deliver a cheque for $9200, being the proceeds from the garage sale held at the Wangi shed on August 25 for drought relief.
What the pair saw in Merriwa shocked them.
“It was a very humbling experience,” Mr Worsely said.
“They’re doing it really tough.”
We’re looking at taking six guys up to Merriwa for a few days to do the jobs that the farmers haven’t got the time to do.
- - Richard Worsely
The drought has hit so hard that farmers are spending every available moment doing what they can to prevent their livestock from perishing.
It means that the farmers simply don’t have the time to tend to other concerns, including chores in and around their homes.
Mr Worsely said he observed a farmer’s car port that was on the verge of collapse. Several small gardens and lawns around the farmers’ homes had also become untidy.
“We’re looking at taking six guys up to Merriwa for a few days to do the jobs that the farmers haven’t got the time to do,” Mr Worsely said.
“Maybe we can tidy up around their houses and make it a bit nicer for them to come home to.”
Mr Worsely said the cheque was presented to the Merriwa branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) who would distribute the money to local farming families.
“The contribution to drought relief by the Wangi Men’s Shed of $9200 was very well received, but fades into insignificance when the costs associated with running the farm are discussed,” he said.
“However, the farmers’ spirits and hopes are uplifted knowing that we are trying to help them, and that most city folk are aware of their predicament.”
Mr Worsely and Mr Nicholson emphasised the cheque they delivered was very much the result of Wangi Wangi’s generosity.