A day off the farm
The local community banded together to show support for dairy farmers during a lunch held at the Neerim South Hotel last week.
Neerim District Financial Service arranged the “day off the farm event in conjunction with Neerim District Community Bank to show support for local dairy farmers following the recent milk price crisis.
The Neerim district is a major dairying area for west Gippsland, with the event attracted 48 dairy farmers from the Neerim, Buln Buln and Jindivick areas.
The aim of the event was to get farming families off their farms, even if only for a short time, and show them their community supported them and cared about them and their future.
Farmers received information on health and wellbeing and other support services, while comedian Des Dowling entertained those in attendance.
Neerim District Financial Service executive officer Anthony Allen said the event received a positive response.
He said the generosity of the community had been overwhelming.
“The medical centre arranged recipe books and blood pressure monitors, each family took home one of those,” Mr Allen said.
“Throughout the afternoon we had more than 20 door prizes, and they were all donated by local businesses in Neerim South, Noojee and some in Warragul.
“Not one business said no. It shows the support for dairy farmers in the community.”
The event also received support from GippsDairy, who promoted the “Look over the Farm Gate” program.
Look over the Farm Gate is a state government funded program that will deliver community based training and activities to help our rural communities look after their health and encourage neighbours to look out for each other.