(This story should have appeared last year. My apologies for the delay - Sr Kym)

About 224 km west of Emerald is the little town of Jericho. According to the 2011 census the population - in the town itself and on properties in the district - came to something like 350 inhabitants. However, by this September I have no doubt that the number was even less. Earlier in the year the last little shop closed. I know from experience that there is no commercial venue where you can buy a cup of coffee. With the drought as in much of western Queensland, graziers (whether owners or managers) have been struggling to retain breeding stock.

Although it can mean running up debts enough to give nightmares or at least to disturb sleep, keeping reduced herds alive requires feeding supplements such as hay, molasses, cotton seed and a range of other additives. With widespread demand, supplies are becoming more difficult to obtain and increasingly expensive both to pay for and to transport. This story, this reality has received increased media attention in the last couple of months and people around the country have been responding in so many ways.

The weekend of September 15^th – 16^th, was a wonderful time in Jericho! The population swelled when a convoy of trucks and other vehicles arrived: Lions coming from Emerald, Tewantin and Townsville, St. Ursula’s ‘Old Girls’ and members of Bundy to the Farm. They will probably never know just how much their gifts of time, money, goods and presence meant to this little community – although several told me of tears they saw in the eyes of men reluctant though grateful to accept what was given: hay bales, dog food, horse food, licks, fruit (great strawberries included!), fresh groceries, household goods and  personal items. There was even free ice cream and a jumping castle and face-painting for the children. With donations from the Men’s Shed and elsewhere, the locals themselves prepared and served food for everyone from Friday night to Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday morning we gathered under the trees, for an ecumenical service. This was led by Steve Cavell, the flying pastor who is well known across the central west, together with “Chappy” Tony from Alpha, Reverend Graham (Anglican) and the Salvation Army all from Longreach. Taking Church to the people is how I often think of such occasions. It always makes me think of Jesus going out to the people of his day, sitting down with them wherever they were, using everyday examples from their own lives as he talked with them.

Unlike most other towns where there are businesses and shopkeepers who are also struggling to survive, because there is no local shop at all, bringing in goods rather than buying them from local sources, did not result in the unfortunately negative effect brought about in some places. The donations were most welcome and new caring relationships have been established. Although the crisis has not passed for this little community, the lift to their spirits has been great.

 Sr Mary

Western Pastoral Ministry