Share the Load – Helping those in need.

Late last year one of our customers, United Tradies, organised a six-day trip to the farming community of Eurimbla. (5 hours from Sydney) The aim of the trip was to give some hands-on support to the drought-affected farming community within Eurimbla.
Effectively to “Share the Load”. 

The team at Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches were thrilled to partner United Tradies on the project. The branches organised a collection of non-perishable items donated by our local community, which were then given to the farmers. Our Branch Manager Dean and staff member Brenda headed out to Eurimbla along with their partners to join the volunteer team with practical hands-on support.

The volunteer group of about 20 included plumbers and electricians, who were able to help with jobs that had been neglected due to either time or money.

Over the six days, the volunteer group of about 20, fixed fences, rebuilt a shed, painted buildings and fed stock. Within the group of volunteers were some skilled tradesmen, who were able to complete some plumbing and electrical jobs that had been neglected due to time or money.  In addition to the practical help, the volunteers provided wonderful support for the farmers just by listening and sharing time with them.  Lifelong friendships were made.

The farming community in Eurimbla, like much of New South Wales, has been battling the effects of the drought since 2015.  They have seen their herds of cattle and sheep decimated reducing the numbers of calves and lambs being born to undernourished mothers.  Every day is a battle where an animal’s lifespan can be measured in days, sometimes hours, and where the smallest win is a monumental event.

This fabulous and uplifting experience is one that we plan to repeat (with staff lining up to volunteer at the next Share the Load long weekend organised by United Tradies).  From the stories told, I’m not sure who got more out of the experience, the volunteers or the farmers they were there to support – but it certainly showed a huge amount of COMMUNITY spirit and was an experience no one will forget.