Cunnamulla welcomes the Long Drive for Drought

The sound of nine 40 series Toyota LandCruisers resounded throughout Cunnamulla on Monday 31 August, signaling the arrival of the ‘Long Drive for Drought’ charity drive.

The Long Drive for Drought was founded in 2019 by Brent Reeman and brings 40 Series enthusiasts together to travel 2,300km through drought-stricken communities whilst aiming to raise $40,000 for their partnered charity, Drought Angels.

Brent expressed that the generosity they’ve been shown has been a highlight of the trip.

“We’ve been warmly welcomed by the communities and had locals donating and supporting us as well,” Brent said.

While in Cunnamulla the group enjoyed a customary meet-and-greet with the Cunnamulla Fella, and a hot dish dinner and clay target shooting competition at the Cunnamulla Gun Club.

Gun Club president Phil Nass said that the night went really well and it was fantastic to host them for the evening.

“We hope that they had a good time here and we’re very appreciative of their support,” Phil said.

“Paroo Shire Council put us in contact with the organisers so we could use the dinner as a bit of a fundraiser for the club.

“All the money from dinner will go straight back into running and improvements to the gun club which is an important social club for some people in the community who have been impacted by drought.”

Paroo Shire Mayor, Cr Suzette Beresford also expressed how grateful the community is that the group chose to spend some time in Cunnamulla, and how they are shining a light on the ongoing effects of the drought.

“The impacts of the drought have been huge, and our shire has more or less been in drought for 16 of past 20 years.

“We think that the work the Long Drive for Drought are doing is excellent and we know the Drought Angels will be able to do many worthwhile things with the money raised.”

The drive’s charity partner Drought Angels is a Chinchilla based service that provides support to families and communities across rural Queensland.

Founding Director Tash Johnston, who has joined the crew on the trip, said that she thinks that the Long Drive for Drought is a great initiative and that they’re honoured they chose the Drought Angels to donate the money to.

“The fact that they are bringing city people out to experience the country is fantastic and Cunnamulla is always such a beautiful town and is great to visit.

“The drought isn’t broken yet, and it takes more than one lot of rain to end a drought so it’s important that they take that message back to the city to their friends and family.

“Now is the time for Queenslanders to explore Queensland as we can’t travel interstate or overseas.”

The Long Drive for Drought has currently raised $35,736 of their $40,000 goal. To find out more about the Long Drive for Drought visit https://longdrivefordrought.com.au/about/