24-06-2025
Adelaide Lions clubs donate $100k to SA farmers battling drought
When Malcolm Schluter heard about South Australian farmers struggling to feed their sheep, he thought there was something he could do to help.
Communities on the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula have been particularly hard hit by the record-breaking drought due to their heavy reliance on sheep in a marginal cropping area.
Mr Schluter, the secretary of Glenside Lions club in Adelaide, has been following the plight of farmers in places such as Streaky Bay, Ceduna and Cummins.
The club raised $30,000 for west coast farmers, which was then matched by the neighbouring Lions Club in Richmond.
The Lions Foundation then got involved and took the total to $100,000.
"We know very little about farming, but the sentiment about South Australian farmers is strong in the city and I don't think people … should underestimate that," Glenside's incoming president Steve Ryan said.
"[Farmers] may think we are in a different world – and we are – but people genuinely admire farmers.
After consulting with Streaky Bay farmer Suzie Kenny, the clubs decided to buy pellets for sheep feed and put on a community event for those doing it tough.
"We know it doesn't bring rain, but I think the sentiment is just as important," Mr Ryan said.
The Farmers Community Connect event was led by Mrs Kenny, the founder of the Save Our Sheep campaign, which raises awareness about the plight of farmers.
It was supported by the Rapid Relief team, local organisations and drought relief funds from the SA government.
"Cashflow is really tight and I just really wanted to create a free event … there was no need for digging into anyone's pockets," Ms Kenny said.
"It is an emotional time — there is happiness, but there is also sadness and people are so genuinely appreciative that we can come together and just relax."
Poochera farmer Rebecca Gosling went along to pick up sheep feed and to socialise with two of her children.
"It does mean a lot — it shows that there are some people listening and there is a lot of care out there," she said.
"We are just about to run out of hay, so it's just a bit of a load off and coming here there has been no stress, with the volunteers helping to load it and strap it down … it's wonderful."
Streaky Bay farmer Phil Wheaton said most farmers were not inclined to seek assistance.
"Most of us don't take handouts and have never had to take handouts or ask for things, but to see all this done for us … the volunteers are a great mob of people who have all come here to help us put a smile on our face," he said.
"Drought is a funny thing — it sneaks up on you and you start off with plan A, plan B and then, truth be told, a lot of us are now on plan F.
"We are trying to work our way through it and we are looking after our ewes … but it's been really hard and I understand why so many young ones have got out of livestock."
Cummins Mill owner Bill Butterfield said it had been a busy few weeks producing the feed purchased by the Lions clubs.
"It has been pretty hectic, but my team worked many hours and on the weekend to get it all made and the support from everyone has been fantastic," he said.
Mick Dunn from the Rapid Relief Team said farmers were used to doing everything for themselves and that it was satisfying to be able to lend a hand.
"It never gets old for us and a lot of our team have travelled a long way, and they wouldn't miss it for anything because it is such a rewarding experience," he said.
"The farmers are resilient, but they do deserve a bit more."
