Grant Denyer headlines fundraiser for struggling farmers

Grant Denyer has shared a confronting photo showing the devastating impact the drought has had on his farm in regional NSW.

The Gold Logie winner, who owns a farm in Bathurst, took to social media to share the photo – which compared lush green fields with baron, dusty plains.

‘It’s time to do something about this drought,’ Denyer wrote online in a follow-up to a passionate post about how things had reached ‘situation critical.’

The 40-year-old used the photo to spruik a fundraiser he is headlining in a bid to ‘get some help on the ground for the affected farmers who are reaching breaking point.’ 

 

Gold Logie winner Grant Denyer (pictured) will be hosting a Black Tie and Boots event at the Bathurst Goldfields on August 11 to help raise funds for farmers

Denyer posted two pictures showing the devastating impact the drought is having on farm land in NSW

Denyer posted two pictures showing the devastating impact the drought is having on farm land in NSW

The two pictures are of his own Bathurst farm and are only two years apart 

The two pictures are of his own Bathurst farm and are only two years apart 

The fundraiser, a Black Tie and Boots event at the Bathurst Goldfields on August 11, will be hosted by Grant Denyer and feature Guy Sebastian and Em Rusciano. 

There will also be an identical event help in Brisbane for those in Queensland who want to help and support NSW farmers. 

Mr Denyer said mental health was also a major focus of the event.

‘When times are this tough, mental health is a real issue and families suffer,’ he wrote. 

‘With your help we’ll get a professional who can visit, assist and keep a friendly eye on the most vulnerable.’

This is the picture of Grant Denyer's farm he shared with his followers to show them hoe dry conditions had become in 

This is the picture of Grant Denyer’s farm he shared with his followers to show them hoe dry conditions had become in 

Mr Denyer owns his own farm in Bathurst and revealed the devastation the drought is causing in the area through a recent Facebook post.

He has labelled the New South Wales drought as ‘situation critical,’ pleading with people to recognise the severity and the effect it has on struggling farmers.

In an emotional Facebook post, the former game show host shared a photo showing the dry conditions on his 27-acre farm in Bathurst.

‘This is how dry it is at our place,’ Denyer said in his post. ‘My wife just took this photo of our backyard and paddocks.

‘So dry, the kangaroos are drinking out of our dog bowl. 

 Mr Denyar also shared a comparison shot of his farm from 2016 to 2018 showing the stark realities of drought on our farmers. 

‘We’re lucky we don’t rely on the farm for income but so many in regional Australia do. It’s so sad right now. In many places it’s the worst drought since records began.’

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the entire country has been gripped by an historic lack of rainfall.

Denyer is pictured here with his wife, Chezzi, on their family farm in NSW 

Denyer is pictured here with his wife, Chezzi, on their family farm in NSW 

Parts of the country — particularly in eastern states — have experienced the lowest rainfall on record.

At the moment a huge 60 per cent of the state is on drought watch.

Denyer said that the strain this puts of farmers created not just a finical toll but also a mental and emotional one.

‘Some families are at breaking point, unable to afford food & with no choice but to shoot their stock so they don’t starve & suffer a slow death.’

These emus have been hit by cars - after being forced to look further afield for water - pictures taken near Broken Hill

These emus have been hit by cars – after being forced to look further afield for water – pictures taken near Broken Hill

One farmer in north-western NSW is already planning to shoot all 1200 of his starving sheep and bury them in a mass grave on his barren farm.

Some have turned to alternative sources of food and hydration to keep their livestock healthy.

Just last week a Victorian farmer turned to watermelon as a supplement and on Wednesday a farmer in northern end of NSW had of a load of orange peel for his cattle to feed on.

Denyer also raised the issue of mental health, touching on the clear link between worsening drought conditions and increases in suicide, suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety.

Denyer is pictured here on his farm during more favourable weather conditions 

Denyer is pictured here on his farm during more favourable weather conditions 

Cows are dying from starvation and dehydration in normally fertile areas such as Tamworth in NSW's central west (above)

Cows are dying from starvation and dehydration in normally fertile areas such as Tamworth in NSW’s central west (above)

‘Mental health issues have risen 70% in our region & suicide by farmers is the most tragic consequence of such a drastic situation.’

‘Farmers harvest our food and the materials for the clothes on our back… please think of them. We need them. They need us. That’s why we support @ruralaid and @buyabale.’

Farmers are reportedly having to fork out up to $10,000 a week to maintain livestock.

To help alleviate financial pressures, National Australia Bank chief executive Andrew Thorburn announced the bank will stop charging farmers penalty interest if they fall behind on their repayments due to drought.

Here Denyer is pictured with some bulls on his NSW farm before the drought hit 

Here Denyer is pictured with some bulls on his NSW farm before the drought hit 

One in three farmers bank with NAB, meaning the other big banks will face increased pressure to join them in making the change.

‘This is an investment in agriculture’s future and farmers can now vote with their wallets. I hope other Aussie banks follow NAB’s lead and get on board,’ Mr Littleproud said on Tuesday.

‘If you’re a farmer whose bank doesn’t offer an FMD offset, you can tell them to bugger off because there are banks now which do.’

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. For help with depression, please see Beyond Blue for a list of organisations that can assist.

 



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