Community gathering for cyclone-affected farmers
and food supplies delivered, in some places by helicopter — to stricken areas, is based on a system the RRT has long used in Australia, where it has responded to 35 mainly drought events.
Over Cyclone Gabrielle the RRT served about 17,000 meals using multiple crews.
The Community Connect events are about distributing muchappreciated supplies, but even more so bringing the farming community together, said Paul.
“The big drive here is to get farmers off the farm. Farmers tend to be resilient and fight their own wars. It could be ages since some of these people have been off their farms . . . I spoke to a farmer who had been working from dawn until dark, seven days a week, for three months. The response when we turn up with supplies is mind-blowing.
“There is a lot of trauma, I have had people in tears, it’s a sad situation
and many people don’t realise how much still has to be done. These events give farmers a chance to talk to people who understand, people they know.”
Alongside the fencing supplies, the marquee is staffed with a crew of cooks making “the signature RRT burgers — the best burgers you’ve ever eaten” and serving coffee, fruit
and cold drinks. There are also service providers offering mental health support, veterinary advice, financial and turf advice.
“The rule here is there is no sales pitch.
“There are about 15 different organisations here and they are all here to offer support,” Paul said.
RRT director Matthew Smith said
“We hope the fencing materials go some towards helping local farmers, and we hope they also benefited from the various services and agencies who were in attendance at the events to provide advice and support.
“It takes time to recover from the impacts of natural disaster and regional communities still need support to recover in the months and years
following. We know how hard our farmers work, but they can also be a stoic bunch and keep to themselves. These events are a great chance for the farming community to connect,” Matthew said.
“Despite the remoteness of some of the farms, it is the sense of community which we are able to draw strength from in difficult times”.