The SHF is an independent, not-for-profit community foundation with a deductible gift recipient (DGR) status and will manage the distribution of funds from the appeal.

CEO Craig Perkins said coordination between the SHF and the Bowral Co-op would maximise the support available to eligible farmers in the district.

“There is now extra incentive for local businesses and organisations to donate and we have a number of corporate donations pending,” Mr Perkins said.

“There’s no break in the drought, so it’s important that we continue to raise funds,” he said.

Bowral Co-op will continue to coordinate the applications process and have already approved several applications.

“We want to encourage farmers to continue to submit their applications. We haven’t restricted applications to one only, so if in a month or so from now [farmers] find themselves again in need of support, we encourage them to apply again,” Mr Perkins said.

The drought appeal currently holds more than $60,000 in donations, including a rceent donation from the Robertson Bowling Club of $10,000.

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President Graeme Tutt said the bowling club had run several events, including a trivia night with more than 180 in attendance, to raise funds for the appeal.

“Every business that we approached, not only in Robertson but throughout the Highlands, were really enthusiastic about donating prizes for the trivia night. Our social committee worked tirelessly organising the event and our staff were fantastic and really went that extra mile,” he said

“It is our intention to continue raising funds for local farmers until the drought breaks and we look forward to the ongoing support we have seen from the community,” Mr Perkins said.

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