A family from the Macleay has started a donation drive for fresh bottled water that will be donated to the people of Walgett who are currently experiencing level 5 water restrictions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Kristy Roberts and her family began the donation drive after her sister, Mariah Smith, posted on Facebook asking for help from the community on January 13.
“As you may know the small country town of Walgett is currently experiencing a level 5 water crisis. They are living off bore water which is high in sodium and undrinkable,” Ms Smith said in the post.
“Outside the home water is turned off between 9-5. Their rivers are completely empty and it will be some time before something sustainable is implemented.”
The post has now been shared almost 100 times as the community gets on board with the donations.
Ms Roberts said the reason for organising the water run is a personal one for her family.
“Our little niece and her family live out there and it’s just completely dry,” she said.
“The two rivers, the Barwon and Namoi, are completely dry. They have been living off bore water but it has really high sodium levels and isn’t drinkable. Between 9am and 5pm they don’t have access to water, it’s gotten really bad.
“We’re going to load up vans and cars on Saturday and drive the 10 hours out there and back to help the community.”
There are currently drop off zones for anyone wanting to donate fresh bottled water in Kempsey at the Durri Medical Centre and in South West Rocks at 7 Mayta Moran Close and 2993 South West Rocks Rd.
“A lot of local businesses have donated water including Kempsey Woolworths who donated 20 cartons and Coles and Aldi have said they want to as well,” Ms Roberts said.
Currently there have been around 200 slabs of water donated to the family.
“The community has really gotten behind us, but there more we can get, the better,” Ms Roberts said.
“We’re very fortunate here and this is all about helping from one community to another.”
The family and Durri Medical Centre would like to thank all of the organisations and the community who have been so supportive. Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service, Dunghutti Elders, Dunghutti Creations, South West Rocks Country Club, South West Rocks Rotary Club, Sixty Degrees Café, Kempsey RSL Club, Coastline Credit Union, Woolworths, Big W, Coles and all of the business that contributed to the water run to Walgett.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Macleay Argus newsletter here.
