“It's so lovely they've put on this tent for us, it's really nice to have a day off the farm and enjoy a day of friendship and have a flutter.”
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
These are the words of Gerringong’s, Melinda Boxall, one of the many farmers who were treated to a day at the 2018 Bong Bong Picnic Races.
In fact the races well and truly connected with its rural roots in 2018 as the Southern Highlands Country Women’s Association evening branch partnered with race day event organisers to ensure a focus on celebrating farmers.
The end result was more than 80 farmers from across the region taking their mind off the challenges of working the land while they relaxed with a day at the races.
Evening branch president Maryke Archbold-Hession said she approached Bong Bong organisers about the CWA sponsoring entry to the races for farmers when she was given the idea to take it a step further.
She said race day organisers “thought it was a great idea and said why don’t we set up a farmer’s tent?”
As far as Bong Bong committee member Suzannah Cowley was concerned the partnership with the CWA was a “natural fit”.
“We came up with the idea of acknowledging the work the CWA has been doing, not only in our area, but across NSW throughout the drought.
“For farmers, it’s a day off from that daily grind,” Ms Cowley said.
The CWA ladies catered morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for the farmers, while other events and activities throughout the day continued to explore farmer contributions in the region.
The gesture was not lost on Nowra’s David Wood who said he felt privileged and very pleased with the support.
“It's really great that they're doing something nice for the farmers, I'm very appreciative,” he said.
Mackayla Susan Jeffery, also from Nowra, said the drought had been a terrible time that “really affected everyone, physically, emotionally and mentally.”
“There's been a few inches of rain over the last few weeks an everyone thinks it's covered the drought but it really hasn't,” she said.
"It's kept us going for a week or two but what are we going to do now? The rain's great but please give us more.
"It's so wonderful that they've [CWA and Bong Bong committee] recognised all the farmers in this region and it's nice that they've given back.”
