Droughtcast goes metro
From the November 2006 edition of Agriculture Today.
In a first for the ABC, a national broadcast focusing on the drought was aired to ABC radio networks across the country from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Condobolin Agricultural Research Station in mid-October.
The event, which included national broadcasts from both the Radio National morning program and the Countryhour, also attracted a live audience of about 180 people to the research station.
The Countryhour special was also joined to metropolitan ABC radio bands, enabling city residents the opportunity to hear first hand the serious situation facing farming families, rural businesses and the broader community of country towns like Condobolin.
NSW drought co-ordinator Graeme Eggleston, who gave the latest NSW update, said the radio special was an example of the important role the media played in helping urbanbased communities understand the grim situation facing farmers.
“The one thing we all agree on is that we are now experiencing the worst drought in Australian history in terms of the length of time, and the severity of its impact,” he said.
“This is unchartered territory for all farmers – including those regarded as excellent drought managers, who have survived tough drought situations before.
“I want to applaud the ABC for taking this initiative, which saw metropolitan radio audiences join their country counterparts, in listening to a range of views and issues regarding drought.
“We appreciate the media’s support in enabling us to get information regarding available assistance to those that need it, and the general community, to help [everyone] appreciate the drought’s impact.”
A live interview with Prime Minister John Howard pledging ongoing support to drought stricken farmers and a personal account of one farming couple’s experience with depression were two of the program’s highlights.
Kathy and Tim Patton, who have a property near Condobolin and have been in drought for five years, described the importance of communicating with family and friends and seeking help when it got too hard to know how to cope.
“It is important to take one day at a time, to hang in there and come together as a community to help each other through,” Kathy said.
Local residents, including Condobolin-based Rural Financial Counsellor Fran Rowe, NSW Farmer of the Year Gary Johnston, business owners and farmers all joined the program to give their perspectives on the situation.
Condobolin school children and residents joined ABC staff from Sydney, Melbourne and Orange for a BBQ following the live broadcast, which also included media coverage by ABC television, the Sydney Morning Herald and Channel Seven.
