Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As it is an electorate with rural areas, Berowra residents have an intrinsic connection with farmers. That's why our government's response to the drought crisis has been welcomed. With an assistance package of $576 million, we're providing support to community organisations, mental health services, concessional loans and an extended farm household allowance scheme. We've also cut red tape to fast-track transportation of hay and fodder around the country to farmers who need it most.

Berowra locals have made a significant contribution to drought relief. Led by the president, Kathy Bray, and by club executives Paul Rapp, Tony Goode and Rob O'Neil, the Rotary Club of Kenthurst has very active members doing remarkable job of raising funds. A community barbecue organised by Victoria Burakowski $10,000. At the Kenthurst Country Fair, the club raised $8,000, with special mention to Valerie Smith, who kindly donated homemade jam which, along with the raffle and petting zoo, was extremely popular.

Earlier this year I was delighted to attend the West Pennant Hills Rotary Club's trivia night, which raised $7,000 to help drought distressed farmers in the Coonabarabran region. Trivia masters Andrew Little and Max Henderson hosted a wonderful fundraising event, and congratulations to Anne and Colin Sharpe, Rosemary and Rob Clarke, Gino and Roslyn Savio, Andrew and Desley Little, Peter and Julie Cleary and Larissa Marcossi, who made the journey to Coonabarabran to personally present the funds they raised for our farmers.

Finally, my constituents Sreeni Pillamari, President of the United Indian Association, walked from Sydney to Canberra to raise $25,000 for our farmers for drought relief. Congratulations to Berowra residents making a difference.