My name is Connie Campbell.
I am a 4th year student at the University of New England in Armidale.
I attend an Agricultural college named "Robb College". However, unlike most students whom reside all over rural NSW, I grew up in the heart of Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
Despite being educated at one of Sydney's leading private schools, i did not know the difference between a 'Merino' and a 'Dorper' before my first lunch in the college dining hall. In fact, to be honest, i thought they were both just called "sheep". Over the last three years at college i have traveled across rural NSW, QLD, VIC and TAS growing an interest in the differences of farming practices. My daily weetbix was accompanied by 'The Land', and college dinner's have led me googling 'what is a header' and 'when does a heifer turn into a cow' purely to improve my "farm chat". My interest in agriculture nonetheless blossomed and i have found myself traveling and working on the land at any opportunity so i can better understand the general processes of livestock production.
It wasn't until my return to Sydney for the summer holidays that i have been shocked on the lack of awareness on the topic of the drought in city areas. As i sat at a 21st lunch earlier this week, i brought up the topic of the drought which was quickly brushed off most likely due to the lack of concern or knowledge. The topic was soon returned to Shapelle Corby, an Australian making a commission of crime due to the decision of Australian media agencies. I quickly thought of my close friends across Walgett and Bourke (both in Western NSW) when a great deal of disappointment and embarrasement came across me.
I am not writing to you to express any suggestions on the funding of the agricultural sector in such times, I am writing to express concern on the lack of education and media attention that is attributed to agriculture in city areas. If the celebrity singer PINK was originally educated on 'flystrike' or the basic foundation of Australian farm management practices, incidents such as the near boycotting of Australian wool to particular foreign retailers may never have come to light. If a greater emphasis was placed on the early education of Australian TRADE and/or Australian LAND, which is 61% farmland, "city folk" would understand the necessity for increased pressure on the Government in such times.Across the state private funding for the Drought Appeal has shot through the roof, although 'city slickers' have not been thouroughly educated on the Agricultural sector, a sector that averages a 12% profit for the Australian GDP. 'City slickers' have been denied the opportunity to generate compassion for farmers across the nation. They have no personal incentive to provide private funding. The chain of effect of the drought has not been appropriately emphasised. The desperation of farmers is not appropriately publicised.
For many of you the topic of drought may be of no concern! Australian media agencies are not emphasising the effects of drought to city populations, so a lack of concern is only natural in response to a lack of knowledge! Compassion cannot be derived from thin air. So ask yourself, have you ever argued for any form of animal welfare before? In this case, the delay in government intervention is quite literally an act of torture as farmers are struggling to fund stockfeed. Have you ever been compassionate to those with mental health issues? Drought is resulting in significantly increasing depression in rural areas. Have you every supported a local family-owned dyeing restaurant? Drought is family owned businesses being hit by natural disaster, family owned businesses that do not have DIRECT connections to their customer's.I am writing today to ask for your help. Please #DONTDOUBTTHEDROUGHT and support the #FORTHEBUSH campaign.
Your help would be extremely appreciated.
If you have found yourself googling a "dorper" at this point, then my point has been put across!
Creating awareness stems through conversation.
Discuss the effect of drought at the dinner table tonight!
Do your best to educate younger Australian's TODAY.
Please.
Please share this until the message in Sydney is clear!
Drought awareness will increase government pressure and significantly improve private funding.
It's one small step!
Attatched are a few links to several newspaper articles that outline the devastating effect of drought on Australian communities. Please take your time to read them!
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2013/s3943576.htm
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=377909872346174&set=o.130834060284601&type=1&theater
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-02/drought-bites/4665026
