With the lowest rainfall in decades, farmers in western NSW are in dire straits, and one Shoalhaven woman, spurred on by her own experience, is doing her best to help drought-stricken farmers. 

Leeanne Oldfield owns farms at Wandandian and Goulburn and has been personally affected by the drought. 

“I have a lot of empathy for these farmers doing it tough because I’ve had to euthanise some of my own stock,” she said. 

“It’s very hard to get rid of stock and it will take a few years to recover even if they do get some rain.” 

Being personally affected by the drought has prompted Ms Oldfield to try and help where she can. She has decided to raise money and purchase feed for farmers who are struggling. 

On August 27, Ms Oldfield, her husband and her son will set off on the Nowra to Dubbo Drought Relief Drive. 

Over the coming month she will be raising funds to buy stock, which she will then tow to Dubbo, where it will be distributed to farmers in need. 

“I can take up to 15 tonnes of feed so we are hoping people donate as much money as possible to buy it all,” she said. 

“My mission is at leat 12 tonnes, that’s what I want.

“We will then deliver it to the Aussie Helper depot where the feed will be distributed from as far as Cobar, Scone and Tamworth.” 

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According to the Department of Primary Industries, NSW continues to experience widespread agronomic drought conditions and as of June 30, 99 per cent of the state was experiencing drought.

Ms Oldfield has started a Facebook page Nowra to Dubbo Drought Relief Drive, where people can donate to the cause. 

“We’ve raised more than $2000 in about three days which has been really positive,” she said.

“I’ve been quite overwhelmed by the messages of support from people.

“One lady on a pension said she could only afford to donate $10 but I later checked the account and she donated $45 which was really lovely.”

All of the money raised will go toward purchasing dog food, bags of barley oats and trace element blocks for farmers in need. 

“I am just one person of many who have come together to try and do our bit to help minimise some of the stress farmers are feeling on a day to day basis,” she said. 

“Any donation will help me achieve this.” 

As well as cash donations, people have also been welcomed to donate bags of feed.

Ms Oldfield is purchasing all of the feed from Bishops at South Nowra, and said she was very thankful for their support. 

For more information on how to donate, visit https://www.facebook.com/Nowra-to-Dubbo-Drought-Relief-Drive-2263180143941057/ or call Leanne on 0421 027 858.