R U Aware, We Care campaign has raised much needed funds for the drought affected region with suppor…

In 2018, Tamworth Regional Council and 88.9FM joined forces to launch R U Aware, We Care ¬– a campaign initiated to raise awareness and encourage support for those suffering from the effects of drought across the New England and Northwest. 

Along with the support from Wests Entertainment Group, Tamworth Business Chamber, NSW Farmers Association, The Salvation Army, Country Women’s Association NSW and Prime 7 as well as all donators, the grassroots initiative has delivered the following stand-out achievements:

•Total funds raised as of 9 January 2019 is $644,836 •Total amount of assistance distributed through Salvation Army as of 9 January 2019 is $1,554,783 •Hosting of “R U Aware, We Care” Fundraising Concert •Hosting of a series of drought forums, rolled out across the New England North West Region which had the presence of non-government organisations as well as local, state and federal government agencies •Support extended to over 700 drought-affected families across the region As it draws to a close, Tamworth Region Mayor, Col Murray said the campaign has successfully achieved its goals of creating awareness and now it’s time to continue gathering further support from resourced agencies. 

“R U Aware, We Care was initiated to generate awareness for the need of support, and that it did. 

“As the drought continues to affect our region, Council will provide ongoing support to our community by focussing on ways to preserve, sustain and strengthen our resources both for now and future seasons. 

“Council will also continue support as a local government, in an advocacy manner, by exploring avenues of drought relief through state and federal government.” 

“We encourage everyone to seek support from organisations such as the Salvation Army who are resourced to provide ongoing support to those most impacted by the drought”, added Cr. Murray.

"The Salvation Army extends sincere gratitude to Tamworth Regional Council, 88.9FM and so many other local organisations and individuals who made generous contributions to the R U Aware We Care campaign,” said Captain Rhonda Clutterbuck.  

"The funds raised as a result of this campaign have significantly bolstered The Salvation Army's ongoing rural support program and have allowed local Salvos Officers and our Rural Chaplains to provide meaningful assistance to farming families in this time of crisis,” said Clutterbuck. 

While the R U Aware We Care campaign comes to a close, the volunteer committee would like to remind the public that the Salvos' Rural Support program will continue to support farmers through this drought and we urge anyone needing assistance to visit your local Salvos church, contact  (02) 087578088 or complete the online application for support at http:///salvos.org.au/need-help/disaster-relief-and-support.

For those wishing to continue support Salvos' Rural Support program, please donate at your nearest Salvos church or online at salvos.org.au/ruralsupport", said Captain Rhonda Clutterbuck. For background information on the R U Aware, We Care campaign visit https://www.ruawarewecare.com.au/