Major event : Pioneer Adventure Day at Old Tailem Town, Tailem Bend
Rotary provided a free family event for farming and rural families who have been hard hit by the drought. Around 500 farming families attended and were entertained by several bands. A truck load of hay destined for Loxton added to the show giving a signal of hope.
There were lots of giveaways in the way of groceries, clothing and well-being goods. Provision of health services like skin cancer testing, breast cancer checks and mental well-being discussion groups being part of the event. Rotary Clubs involved were Adelaide, Adelaide Central, Adelaide Light, Burnside, Eastwood, Edwardstown, Hyde Park, Mobilong, Mt Barker, Murray Bridge, Prospect, Regency Park, Strathalbyn, Tailem Bend, and Unley.
Rotarian Bob Cooper earlier called up Macca, from the ABC’s Australia All Over Radio show and spruiked the event to success.
There’s More
About 200 Volunteers helped run the event. About 140 of those were members of Rotary Clubs from about 15 Clubs.
Approximately 600 Farmers attended.
Over $50,000 of groceries and Household/Farm items were given away as families left. Pantry items, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as clothing.
7 farmers visiting the Health Hub were identified with potentially life-threatening conditions whereby without immediate intervention, they would likely to be dead within a year.
2 farmers were diagnosed with advanced melanoma.
4 farmers found with advanced undiagnosed diabetes.
1 farmer displayed extremely high blood pressure.
Our friends at Fat Farmers Health Hub (Adelaide University & Flinders University) have systems in place to follow these people up.
Beyond this sobering side, the day was was full of mirth, merriment, music, dancing, food and entertainment.
A number of farmers showed tears of joy. Some came intending a stay of two hours and left after six.