Country Squire

ROB INGRAM ON WHY A SIMPLE HAIRCUT CAN BE JUST WHAT OUR FARMERS NEED.

DAMS AND CREEKS sure as hell dry up out here, but how lucky are we that kindness doesn’t? Money might make life easier for those battling to survive the worst drought in memory. Donated feed might extend the lives of some stock. But you can’t put a value on the support that comes from the heart. Social support is perhaps the key component in disaster recovery. And here in Dunedoo, we’ve been reminded of this by the actions of four women sensitive enough to feel the anguish of those who are watching their worlds collapsing around them, and committed enough to do something about it. Francina Mills and Tori Tekley, from Xstyles Salon at Hallidays Point between Taree and Forster, drove the 430 kilometres to Dunedoo to give drought-affected farmers and their families free haircuts. Their slogan was something like “We Care. We’re Here.” Nothing glib. Local Lions Club member Deb Schmitzer was putting together a drought-relief package for Dunedoo farmers and mentioned it to the girls at the salon. They saw an opportunity to do their bit. “As we sit down at the table and nourish our families and friends, we need to spare a thought as to how this food was produced and brought to our tables,” says Deb. “It’s often the result of great hardship and lots of doing without. Personal things like haircuts often get put off for other priorities. But they’re an important part of self-esteem, and self-esteem is one of the first casualties of tough times.” Dunedoo’s Sergio’s Salon provided the facilities and the Xstyles mission team loaded up the scissors, clippers, blow dryers, shampoos, conditioners and gift packs, and hit the highway. The paddocks are still pretty bare out here, but at least the farming families are looking well cropped, and spirits were distinctly elevated in the town by the arrival of the shearing gang from Hallidays Point. It is these spontaneous reactions to a fellow man’s woes that restores faith in human nature. Ordinary people being selfless for the less fortunate suggests that human nature is essentially good. In a period when our Federal Government showed us that they’re more interested in their egos, their delusions of power and their selfishness and greed, a couple of workmates from the coast donated their time and skills to lighten the load of unknown fellow Australians. But hang on, wasn’t this piece to be about four women? The other one was even further afield than Hallidays Point. She lives in London, England, where she has a busy life as head of state, the focus of national unity, head of the Commonwealth, and queenly duties over 16 former British colonies. Her Majesty found the time to dwell on the difficulties of the drought victims and to send a letter of condolence. “I know Australia as a land where extremes of weather, floods and droughts are taken in their stride, and life goes on with a stoic and determined spirit,” she wrote. “It is clear, however, that the current drought is taking an immense toll, especially on those living and working in rural communities, who are — in so many ways — the very heart and soul of Australia.” Nice thoughts, words and actions from very different households. I hope these women get to meet some day — that Xstyles Salon at Hallidays Point becomes By Appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, that Francina and Tori and Deb and Elizabeth get to go on a bonding road trip like Thelma and Louise… but with a happier ending. That the drought will have long ended, never to return.

SOCIAL SUPPORT IS PERHAPS THE KEY COMPONENT IN DISASTER RECOVERY.