Club North Haven's Andrew Pratt had a small idea to help local farmers in drought and now that same idea is being rolled out across the state easing the financial burden associated with no rain.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Called the Million Litres Promise the program started because Mr Pratt wanted a way for local people to help local farmers.
"We kept hearing about the farmers out west who were in dire need of help but the reality is we have farmers in the Camden Haven who are desperately in need water as well," Mr Pratt said.
"I went to the club and we sat down to see if there was a way we could come together and help and we came up with the Million Litres Promise."
The club have partnered with local businesses including First National Real Estate North Haven and Rotary International along with the local community to help local farms during the tough drought conditions - and now in the aftermath of the recent devastating bushfires.
Club North Haven assistant manager Shane Globits said the water will help farms to feed stock, clean down stables and machinery. It will also be used in the farm house for drinking and bathing water.
"We are delivering water to farmers in about a 100km radius so that is covering quite a bit of ground locally," Mr Globits said.
"It really is staggering how dire the need for water is locally and the community has been so generous in how they have donated to our water campaign.
"Early on we reached out to businesses like First National Real Estate and they quickly jumped on board and it has just grown from there."
It costs about $300 for 15,000 litres of water to be delivered to a farm with the 100km radius and Mr Globits said one farm recently received 40,000 litres which will only last the farm 10 days.
As a partner to the project, First National Real Estate's Stewart O'Brien said they are donating $150 per sale to the cause, which has seen more than $3,500 donated to date.
"When we were approached we absolutely jumped on board," Mr O'Brien said.
"The Hastings has just gone to level three water restrictions but there are people close to home that have no water at all.
"Even even 10-15 minutes out of Laurieton we have farmers who are really struggling and we need to help them."
In the beginning the project hoped to fund one million litres of water to local farmers and in two months more than 600,000 litres has already been delivered.
"What's amazing is that when we get in touch with farmers they also know someone worse off but we know the need is there and we are hoping we can help ease some financial costs," Mr Globits said.
"We know families on farms are going without food for themselves so there is enough money to buy water for livestock and that is heartbreaking. Knowing that the water we are delivering is making a difference is what keeps us going.
"One of our recent deliveries was to a farmer near Kempsey and the day after we delivered the water his house came under bushfire threat and it was only due to the water delivery he was able to save his house."
Clubs NSW have just rolled out a similar water program to help farmers in drought all over the state. The program has also been mentioned by Rod Roberts MLC in state parliament.
Mr Globits said it all would not be possible without the financial contribution from the local community.
"We have been so fortunate the community is supporting the cause. We have incredibly generous members who are donating and our program is beginning to be spread around the state.
"I had a call from a lady who is donating $100 from her pay every week for the next six month to help which is incredible. But every $10, $50 or $250 helps."