Gurley Farmers Relief on the way

Ann-Maria Martin was born in Moree and grew up on a property in the area until the age of about six when her parents left due to a crippling drought.

Knowing full-well the impacts drought can have on families and communities, Ms Martin – the founder of not-for-profit charity Survivor’s R Us – decided she wanted to do something to make life a little easier for those doing it tough.

“I just wanted to give back to the community,” she said.

“I know how hard it was for my parents.

“Lots of towns and organisations are doing drought relief but I always worry the little places might be missing out.”

READ MORE:

With the intention of providing relief to a small community within the Moree district, a “dart was thrown” and Gurley was the chosen location.

For the last few months, Ms Martin and her team at Survivor’s R Us have been putting aside food, toiletries and animal feed in their food warehouse for farming families around the Gurley area, as well as collecting cash donations.

So far Survivor’s R Us has raised about $1,300 which will be used to purchase Coles and Woolworths gift vouchers to distribute to local farmers in need.

Ms Martin and her team will be at the Royal Hotel Gurley from 2pm this Saturday, November 3 to distribute goods and gift vouchers to those who may need a helping hand.

There will also be live music and the Royal Hotel will be donating $1 from every drink purchased to the cause.

“People can come down and we’ll give out lots of food relief and talk to farmers,” Ms Martin said.

“I’ve heard there are two families doing it really tough and may be losing their properties, so I’m trying to find out more and see if we can help save these people’s farms.

“It’s close to my heart. It’s sad to hear people are doing it so tough and I’d just like to give back.”

If anyone would like to donate to the Gurley Farmers Relief, they’re welcome to drop donations off at the Royal Hotel on Friday or Saturday afternoon.