It’s easy to turn off the television when distressing images of drought-affected farms flash across the screen, but one young viewer – sad at what he’d seen on the news this winter – decided turning away wasn’t good enough.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Instead of switching channels, Murphy Sims decided to do extra chores to save some money to help farmers in trouble.
The year 2 student at Calare Public School dropped off three packs of water – 72 bottles – to member for Orange Philip Donato’s office this week, to be donated to drought-relief charity Aussie Helpers.
Murphy said he was driven to raise the money by “doing the dishes” and “cleaning up my room” because he didn’t like what he saw on the TV.
“Hi, it is sad seeing the drought on TV. It must be hot. I hope it rains soon."
- From Murphy
“I felt really sad,” the seven year old said of the drought images he continually saw on the news.
And there’s an increasing number of properties film crews have to choose from in the Central West, with the latest NSW Department of Primary Industries figures indicating almost three-quarters of the region is in drought.
Even more alarmingly, a large pocket including Molong, Cumnock, Yeoval and Wellington has been classified as being in ‘intense drought’.
An only child, Murphy said he hoped the water would help those farmers and his extra chores would help his mum, Tracy Gavin.
“She said ‘you’re a beautiful little boy’ and that she is proud of me,” Murphy said.
Speaking ahead of the water delivery, the mother said she was indeed a very pleased parent.
“I cried with joy. He gets so emotional about the drought – I’m a very proud mum,” Ms Gavin said.
Ms Gavin accompanied Murphy to Mr Donato’s Byng Street office – which is doubling as a pick-up spot for Aussie Farmers – on Monday afternoon.
Co-founded by Brian Egan, the registered charity allocated $200,000 to Central West farmers in May, and since then the former farmer has visited Mr Donato’s office several times to pick up donations destined for drought-affected properties.
“Some people don’t need help, but we go and see them and everyone gets a box of groceries,” he said.
Mr Donato said he was left “speechless” by the youngster’s generosity.
“This water will be appreciated by farmers, some of whom don't have any water left in their tanks,” he said.
“He lugged those three slabs into my office and handed me a handwritten note, I would invite you to read this special note, from a very special boy.”
“Hi, it is sad seeing the drought on TV. It must be hot. I hope it rains soon. From Murphy,” the note said.
Alongside it, Murphy drew a picture of a happy farmer smiling under a rain cloud.
For crisis support call Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14
RELATED COVERAGE:
Alex Crowe
Alex covers science and environment issues, with a focus on local Canberra stories. alex.crowe@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alex covers science and environment issues, with a focus on local Canberra stories. alex.crowe@austcommunitymedia.com.au
