Talking helps. Farming families around the State are striving to overcome feelings of isolation and despair as drought persists.

Typically practical, two tanker loads of water were the major lucky door prizes at a gathering in Crookwell called “Look after our mates”, attended by about 600 people.

The event closed the street as it spilled between the Bowling Club and nearby Services Club.

Most of the participants came by specially organised buses from 14 smaller nearby communities, where the key local contacts, mostly young women, afterwards began arranging follow up family farm gatherings in their own local areas.

At Cookwell, a guest speaker, Mal Crowe, from Lifecare Counselling and Family Services, discussed myths associated with depression and emphasised the strength and importance of community.

“We wanted those hardest hit by the drought to know we are united and we are there to support them as a community,” one of the organisers, Crookwell farmer Garry Kadwell said.

The event offered some social interaction and a chance to make known the assistance measures for drought stricken farmers and businesses.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Paul Anderson said the idea was to host a night where people could get away from their worries and have some social interaction

“That’s what’s it’s all about – looking out for each other and helping each other.

“If people can see their neighbours or mates are isolating themselves, this is a way to help them,” he said.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries, together with a group of Crookwell residents hosted the night.

Agencies including the Rural Assistance Authority, Department of Community Services and Centrelink provided assistance, advice and information.

The Community Trust and the Crookwell Services Club, Crookwell Business Association and Upper Lachlan Shire Council also supported the event.

Contact Garry Kadwell, (0428) 402 476, Paul Anderson, (0427) 110 637