Issues in the Murray -Darling basin

Community meeting in Finley

One of the roles of the Rural Chaplain is to advocate for social justice for members of the community who cannot speak for themselves or whose voice is not heard clearly amidst the clamour of voices in our media.
This role finds Julie doing some of her most challenging work and working very much out in the community.

A group feeling rather marginalised at present are the farmers of the Murray-Darling basin.The 10 year long drought has affected them greatly but just as the rain came and things took an economic turn for the better the water restrictions were announced and farmers faced losing up to a third of their water allocations which will,as you can imagine, affect their livelihood and has created an uncertain future.

Brian and Helen Brown looking at a Hillston Cotton Crop

Farmers are feeling very blamed for the environment issues facing the nation and feel as if they are the ones bearing the brunt of the changes to water and land management.An example of this is one conversation I had with the wife of one of the Hillston farmers who asked, "How would the owners of the posh hotels in Sydney feel if they were told to cut a third of their water use and not be able to wash the towels and linen as frequently?"

They also see themselves in the important role of providing food for the nation.Without their crops Australia would have to import all its food. On top of the general lack of services available in the rural areas these issues are hurting and making country people feel like the poor relations.

Brian and Helen Brown learning about rice growing Coleambally

Farmers are a very articulate group but they feel keenly that their side of the story is not being heard on the complex issues of water and land management.

This is an area where Julie,hearing these concerns as she mixes with people in rural NSW, sees a responsibility to advocate for such groups and act to allow opportunities for rural voices to be heard in the cities where the bulk of public opinion is formed and where decisions are made. It is not a role of arguing their case and taking sides but just making sure that all voices are heard and all sides of the issues explored.

With this object in mind the Moderator of the Uniting Church, Brian Brown, was invited to visit several areas and towns over 4 days earlier this year to meet with people and hear their stories and hurts.

Public meeting at Griffith

 The church has a role in caring for people who are hurting and the Uniting Church has always has a social justice focus so it seemed fitting for farmers to have the opportunity to speak with the Moderator and for him to consider and then write about, what he experienced in the Insight magazine. As he hears debates on the issues in wider forums he now has both sides of the story and can present an informed rural view to city dwellers.