AUGUST 2019:

Visitors bearing goodwill and generosity pulled into Condobolin with a trailer load of sporting equipment mid 2019.
All schools and clubs with in the Lachlan Shire area, including Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo, Tullibigeal, will receive cricket and netball gear. Kiacatoo CWA also received a donation of over $5,000, which will be used to help drought stricken farmers.
Greg Pinnington and Dylan Scott along with local Drought Support Worker Susan Baxter, organised the event.
“I was approached by Greg in April this year to see whether I would be interested in teaming up Sydney Thunder and Camden Cricket Club. These clubs offered to help with donation back to Condobolin. Which would include sporting equipment and funds,” Mrs Baxter explained.
“We arranged a date that would suit all those involved, myself the drought support worker, schools and clubs within the Lachlan Shire area.
“As part my role to help all those who are suffering from the severe effects of the drought this would allow the children access to sporting equipment to socialise with other children and have some enjoyment.”
The donations that Greg and Dylan gathered were given to Kiacatoo CWA for Mrs Baxter to utilise for functions and vouchers to those in need.
“Working with these clubs enables myself to be able to help Condobolin out in many ways, holding functions to help with the connection and socialisation of the farming members of the community, vouchers to help those in need and many other happenings that is in process,” Mrs Baxter stated.
“I try not use too much on the mental health to the farming community, as I found that this can be a real turnoff but if we put in the context of connecting with others. We are able to see who coping and those who are not. These functions also allows for a time away from the farm and enjoy one another’s company.”
Mr Pinnington’s connection with Condobolin began last year, when he contacted David Hall about drought relief and helping the local area.
“I raised $2,500 and I did a canned food drive bringing up 4,000 cans of food to the Sue Baxter at Condobolin Country Women’s Association,” he said.
“This year myself, and Dylan Scott from the Camden Cricket raised the $5,138 as well as bringing a very large amount of good conditioned used cricket gear, 78 Netball’s and a large number of netball uniforms.
“I raised everything through social media and asked as many people and Sporting Clubs I could over three weeks in the Camden area. The locals here are very generous and wanted to help me like they did last year with the canned food drive.
“We really just wanted to come to Condo and help the kids and the community keep playing sport. Plus the money is going to people who really need help it is what I would like to continue to do.”