Sydney support for drought affected communities

Lord Mayor Clover Moore today announced the City of Sydney will donate more than $200,000 to help families across country and regional NSW struggling with the worst drought in history.

NSW is experiencing the driest conditions in more than 400 years after months of record-low rainfall, a warmer-than-average autumn and winter and worsening drought conditions.

The City will donate funds to the Country Women’s Association of NSW’s Disaster Relief Fund, set up to assist individuals and families facing financial crisis due to the drought.

This support will help meet immediate household needs and expenses for those affected by the drought including groceries, vehicle maintenance, school, electricity, rates, telephone, dental and medical bills.

“Climate change and land clearing are intensifying the severity of droughts in Australia, and it’s devastating to see the impact thisdrought is having on our famers, their livestock and crops,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

“These hardworking families help put food on our dinner tables, so it’s fitting that Sydneysiders are able to assist our farmers in times of need.

“The City has also established a program to match funds raised and contributions made by staff, dollar for dollar until the end of this year.”

Annette Turner, State President of CWA of NSW said the City’s support would help the organisation continue its Drought Aid grants that assist farming communities being pushed to the brink.

“We are very grateful for the City of Sydney’s support and look forward to being able to assist even more families,” said Ms Turner.

The donation was supported unanimously by Councillors.

The donation complies with the City of Sydney humanitarian emergency response guidelines and is in line with previous donations for disasters including:

$200,000 to the Australian Red Cross Cyclone Pam (Vanuatu) Appeal in 2015 $100,000 to the Australian Red Cross Nepal Region Earthquake Appeal in 2015 $100,000 to Oxfam’s Typhoon Haiyan Relief and Recovery Fund in 2013 $200,000 and matched staff contributions for a further $7,032 to the Australian Red Cross NSW Disaster Relief and Recovery Appeal for people devastated by New South Wales bushfires in 2013 $200,000 to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal for the Queensland Flood Crisis and staff sent to support the Brisbane City Council in the flood clean up in 2011.

The City kick-started its staff fundraising efforts this week with a morning tea that raised $4,000 – the funds will be added to the City’s donation to the CWA.

For media inquiries contact Elaine Kelly, phone mobile 0477 362 550 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, please contact Jack Begbie. Phone 0481 759 580 or email [email protected]