The Drought on the Australian mainland is worsening, with little relief expected in the near future. A group of media and advertising industry leaders launched the ‘Farmhand Appeal’ to try and assist rural landholders who are in trouble as a result of drought.
The appeal, which was kicked off by big donations from Kerry Packer, News Limited, John Singleton, Telstra and others, will now seek to raise more money from public donations.
A direct grant of several thousand dollars will be made immediately to farmers in need, and the rest will be spent on longer term relief and research into ways to better drought proof the land.
Most of the Southern half of the Australian mainland is currently affected by drought with NSW declared 95% drought affected this week. There is currently some rain falling in NSW and Victoria which may ease the situation if it keeps up. Non-drought areas include the tropical parts of northern Australia and Tasmania, while the rest of the country is affected by various levels of drought.
John Singleton’s 2GB has taken an important role in the appeal and GB’s breakfast presenter Alan Jones had a big part in the launch and is driving the appeal through his program. The Australian newspaper is also running regular stories on the appeal, and Channel 9 will broadcast the appeal concert.
Radio is one of the most important media in rural Australia. 2GB has taken the lead in this particular appeal, but there is lots to be done in supporting drought affected communities.
Even if your station is not part of the Farmhand appeal, what is your station doing to support your community if it is affected by drought?
Email radioinfo with information about your station’s contribution to helping drought affected areas of Australia.
If you have an idea of something stations can do to assist drought affected listeners add your comments to the radioinfo Forum (click on ‘Talkback Forum’ in the left margin).
One of the highlights of the appeal’s activities will be a live concert on Saturday, 26 October, broadcast on the Nine Network and affiliates WIN and NBN. The Farmhand Concert and Telethon for Drought Relief will be held at the SuperDome at Sydney’s Olympic Park.
“Aussie heroes from the football field, the pool, track-and-field and stage and screen will all be manning the phones at the simultaneous Farmhand Telethon.” The Farmhand Telethon centre will be open from Saturday 12 October to take donations, phone 1300 792 992.
The Farmhand Concert will be “a Who’s Who of Aussie talent from all parts of the musical spectrum. Country legend Lee Kernaghan is leading the line-up and will be singing some of his biggest hits. He will be joined by Olivia Newton-John, Jimmy Barnes, James Reyne, Bachelor Girl and others.”
Over 12,000 tickets will go on sale through Ticketek from Monday 7 October (02 9266 4800).
Using Telstra’s internet broadband technology, the Farmhand Concert will be webcast in full from 6.30pm over www.thebasement.com.au.
Email radioinfo with information about your station’s contribution to helping drought affected areas of Australia.
If you have an idea of something stations can do to assist drought affected listeners add your comments to the radioinfo Forum (click on ‘Talkback Forum’ in the left margin).