While recently all of Queensland was declared drought free many farmers and their communities have been affected by other natural disasters such as floods, monsoonal deluges and fires. Just like the 40 Series Toyota LandCruiser, these communities are tough and have stood the test of time – but they need your help.
The Long Drive for Drought was founded in 2019 by Brent Reeman in Brisbane, Australia, after being inspired to do something positive outside of the work he was doing with the same drought impacted communities across Queensland.
For years many Queensland towns have been living with the often unseen and indirect consequences of severe drought. However, there’s still a lack of awareness and understanding of how to best support families and communities impacted by this natural disaster.
It was decided that a themed drive would be a great way to do something practical to showcase a number of iconic communities across Queensland, better understand and raise awareness to their current situation while connecting niche LandCruiser communities together to raise money for local charities and participate in local events.
The inaugural drive in 2020 saw 40 Series enthusiasts from across Queensland travel over 2,500 kilometres of arid terrain through 18 towns from Brisbane west of the Balonne River to Cunnamulla before looping back via Charleville en route to the Western Downs and back to Brisbane. The 2021 travelled over 3,000km, mainly on backroads, up through the Burnett region, then Central and Central Western Queensland and loop back down to Western Downs and back to Brisbane.
In 2022, the drive will travel around 3,000km, mainly on backroads, heading west from the Isaac region, through the Central Highlands and Barcaldine region, then Central Western Queensland and McKinlay areas, heading slightly south through Boulia, then heading north into North Western Queensland through Cloncurry and Kynuna, and finishing in Longreach.
Almost 3 million people are currently living through sustained drought conditions across the state of Queensland. We are doing what we can to provide help and a hand up to those in need.
The Long Drive for Drought has proudly partnered with Farm Angels – a Chinchilla based service providing support to families and communities across rural Queensland.
Drought Angels is a small charity run by big hearts, who offer a listening ear, a warm hug and personalised support given to each family. Through direct personal contact with the farmers, Drought Angels have earned a reputation for providing personalised, heartfelt and discreet assistance.
Drought Angels has come to understand that those who they help are often those who are not normally inclined to reach out and battle it alone, which can lead to severe depression and in some cases suicide.
One-on-one support aides in ‘breaking down the barriers’ of a proud demographic who quite often have never received a hand up. They can be the first generation of many who have to contemplate walking off the land and selling bloodlines which have taken years to build up. These are the people of most concern and often forgotten.
A Long Drive for Drought is a fundraising initiative in association with Drought Angels. Every dollar raised will go directly to supporting farmers and families in drought stricken communities. We thank you for your support.
