Lorrell and Peter O’Neill from Woolongong delivered the trailer full of toys, games and toiletries, to the Nyngan Country Women’s Association last Wednesday. 

Mr and Mrs O’Neill said donating to Nyngan was something they felt needed to do to help out during these dry times. 

“We’re happy to do it. [Farmers] need help and I think other people should do it too,” Mrs O’Neill said.  

Earlier this year the couple donated another trailer of goods to Longreach, however decided Nyngan would be the next best town to support. 

“We thought Nyngan because it’s a smaller town … you haven’t got a lot around here to help,” she said. 

Mrs O’Neill said she received a number of donated items however also purchased more hoping she could bring some Christmas cheer. 

“A lot of people have given me things, but I saved up and each time I went grocery shopping I’d buy things and if I had any spare cash I’d go and buy more items,” Mrs O’Neill said.  

“My grand kids get a lot and I hate the thought of the kids going without.”

“[Farmers] work so hard, and it’s seven days a week and you don’t get holidays so I thought if we can help a little bit, I hope it goes a long way,” she said. 

In addition to the donated items, Mr and Mrs O’Neill hosted a raffle at their rock n’ roll and swing class Christmas party, where they raised $3000 which was donated to both Nyngan and Longreach. 

“There’s so many people there that want to help, and I was amazed by what we’d raised at the Christmas party,” Mrs O’Neill said. 

“We wish we could have bought more.”

“I just want to see the kids and farmers have a bit of a smile on their faces for Christmas,” she said. 

President of the Nyngan CWA branch Beth Jackson said the donations were “just amazing” and they would be distributing items within the shire. 

“It’s so good. These people are absolutely amazing with what they’ve done,” Mrs Jackson said. 

“Just two people have organised so much.”

“There’s so many presents, toys, games. This is very handy for people who are struggling, and it’s just in time for Christmas.”

“They’ve also given us $1700 cash which will go toward food vouchers for each supermarket in town for farmers”

“We’ll give most to the rural financial councillor [to help distribute] and some of the children's toys to the Bogan Bush Mobile,” she said.