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20 December 2018

Farming families in north west NSW get a Christmas boost

Families across Narrabri, Boggabri, the Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah will receive a boost before Christmas, with a new drought relief donation of $60,000 from local miner Whitehaven Coal.

The donation is spread across Whitehaven’s local areas of operation, and includes:

  • $15,000 towards ‘Why Leave Town’ gift cards and EFTPOS cards to be used at businesses in the Narrabri area, distributed by the Rotary Club of Narrabri as part of its ‘Neighbours in Need’ program;
  • $15,000 towards EFTPOS cards to be used at businesses the Boggabri area, distributed by the Rotary Club of Narrabri as part of its ‘Neighbours in Need’ program;
  • $15,000 towards ‘Buy Locally’ gift cards to be used at businesses in the Liverpool Plains area, distributed by the Liverpool Plains Business Chamber; and
  • $15,000 towards ‘Why Leave Town’ gift cards to be used at businesses in the Gunnedah area, distributed by the Rotary Club of Gunnedah.

The three organisations said the gift cards would be welcomed by families and local businesses ahead of the holiday season.

“Many businesses in Narrabri and Boggabri are struggling; they’ll get a welcome boost to their cashflow as these funds will be spent in our community,” said Rotary Club of Narrabri President Darrell Tiemens.

“Our Liverpool Plains communities have shown true unity in their determination to back families impacted by this big dry. This generous donation from Whitehaven Coal is another demonstration of local support that will hopefully make the looming holiday period that little bit easier for many of our residents,” said Liverpool Plains Business Chamber President Grant Barry.

“People from our area and across the country have supported our farmers throughout the year, and while the national attention has quietened, it’s great to see local employers like Whitehaven continuing to make a contribution,” said Rotary Club of Gunnedah President Stacey Cooke.

“This donation means people doing it tough will have a bit more in the kitty to buy decorations, toys, or make Christmas lunch that much more special.”
Whitehaven Coal Managing Director and CEO, Paul Flynn, acknowledged that while the festive season is a time to celebrate, it can also be a difficult time for families under pressure.

“As local farmers continue to battle through the drought conditions, we know every little bit counts at this time of year,” said Flynn.

“We’re proud to offer a helping hand to make Christmas and New Year that little bit brighter for families in our area. Importantly, the fact these funds will be spent locally means small businesses across Narrabri, Boggabri, Gunnedah and the Liverpool Plains will also get a lift.”

Any interested parties can contact the Rotary Club of Narrabri, the Rotary Club of Gunnedah or the Liverpool Plains Business Chamber to access support.

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