Lend a hand to Aussie farmers in need

Sally and John Witherspoon have been proud rural advocates and cattle graziers for nearly 4 decades in North Queensland. They have contributed greatly to the rural community in North Queensland, providing training and employment for at-risk youth and embracing novel and ethical stock handling practices. In addition, Sally has served on the board of the Royal Flying Doctor Service for many years and is currently the rural and consumer advocate.

The brutal combination of predatory banks and many years of drought have left this family in a situation where their property has been taken into receivership and their assets (including the cattle) unable to be moved from the drought-stricken property. Without income from the sale of healthy cattle, they are left unable to supplement the feed of their livestock, instead forced to watch them die of starvation by the dozen each day. They are devastated that the herd is suffering and their hands are tied.

"The receivers have not allowed us to shift our herd to properties that have grass and with no income we have been relying on charity and loans from family to keep supplements to our cattle. Organisations such as Queensland Country Women's Association, Aussie Helpers, Drought Angels and Buy A Bale have been a godsend. Local businesses have had to “carry” our debt for long periods. It is heartbreaking to see our cows struggle due to corporate restrictions that have no thought to animal welfare."

Like many rural families, the Witherspoons are not accustomed to asking for help but are now at their wits end in a very desperate situation. If they can raise enough money to get the cattle through to the wet season, there will be some hope.

Please lend a hand to our Aussie farmers.