Orroroo is the South Australian winner of Rural Aid’s inaugural Ten Town Makeover initiative which aims to highlight the impact of one of the worst droughts in history on small country towns.
Established within Rural Aid’s Sustainable Community program, the 10 country towns will receive a minimum of $100,000 commitment to support the makeover of the towns over a five-year period.
The $100,000 includes:
- $10,000 for town leaders to workshop with experts in rural/regional town renewal with the aim of developing a long-term renewal strategy. These facilitated workshops will support the long-term sustainability of the town and local community.
- $90,000 will be spent on materials for maintenance projects identified by the town leaders, that fits within our scope of work. If available, materials will be sourced locally to support local businesses.
Rural Aid’s Farm Army of volunteers (usually between 50 – 100) will spend a week in the town in the first year bringing a welcome financial injection to the town’s local businesses. Our support over the remaining years will be determined by the leaders of the town once the plans for the town have been developed.
Orroroo Carrieton Community Project Officer, Jodie Boully said, “We are ecstatic to be selected as one of the Rural Aid 10 Town Makeovers. Just the phone call today has created a huge buzz of positivity in our office, can’t wait to share with the community.”
“We can’t make it rain, but this is our chance to get our community excited, band together, foster positive wellbeing and promote opportunities in our town,” Sally Boully said.
“This initiative gives us enthusiasm and focus towards some positive opportunities. The project will help stimulate and encourage the local economy. Equally, it is the injection of support we need to rebuild our confidence and community pride.
“We are looking forward to working with Rural Aid, thank you!”
CEO of Rural Aid, Charles Alder says, “While the focus is largely on the impact of the drought on farmers and their families, equal attention should be given to the impact on rural communities. Small country towns play a critical role in supporting the social and economic fabric of their local communities. This initiative will lift morale and inject much needed capital into the local community
“Small towns have a unique symbiotic relationship with the farms located around them. Farmers rely on their local town for off farm income through employment, farm employees and services from the local doctor, teachers, dentists, accountants and government support staff. Then there’s the small businesses like the local pharmacy, grocery, butcher, bakery, bank and rural supply company. Take these towns out of the equation and the local ecosystem is impacted forever.
Winners from other states include: Queensland – Alpha, Monto, Gayndah and Cunnamulla, NSW – Walgett, Barraba, Brewarrina and Coolah, and Victoria – Lockington.
Orroroo town contacts are:
- Dilan Strong, CEO Orroroo Carrieton District Council (08 8658 1260)
- Jodie Boully (0417 787 475)
About Rural Aid
Rural Aid supports farmers and rural communities in times of natural disaster such as flood, fire and drought. In addition, Rural Aid focusses on supporting the sustainability of regional and farming communities. Its disaster relief program includes the nationally recognised Buy a Bale campaign. Other programs include providing volunteer support to rural towns, musical instruments to regional schools and counselling. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.
Media enquiries: Raylee Huggett – 0447 116 757