Rural women from drought declared areas in far north Queensland will gather in Chillagoe later this month for a special Dust Off the Drought event.
The event is being delivered by the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group, with funding provided by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and FRRR Friends
Being held at the Chillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodge, the two day event will take place on October 15 and 16, and is specifically targeted at women living in drought declared areas.
Etheridge has been drought declared since 2013 while Mareeba’s declaration was extended earlier this year and the Tablelands added.
“It has been over ten years since the Mareeba Shire was last drought declared and this event aims to bring residents up to date on support and assistance that is available,” said Kathy Rowling, drought support ambassador.
“By having a series of practical workshops the ladies attending will be able to develop drought resilience and hopefully look towards recovery.
“Dust off the Drought will bring together women from across the north for a needed weekend of networking, fun and socialising.
“Many of these women live on properties where there isn’t a lot of social activity and communication is sometimes limited by NBN issues, no mobile reception and phone problems.”
The event has received strong support from a number of community, corporate and government organisations including Bendigo Dimbulah Community Bank Branch and Mareeba Shire Council while Inner Wheel Australia (FNQ Tablelands Branch) has put together gift packages for attendees.
A series of workshops will run over the two days and will include topics such a biosecurity, weeds, drought assistance, succession planning and grant writing, along with working dog health, beauty and craft activities.
For more information contact Kathy Rowling on 4092 1088 or email