Kicking Goals for Drought Relief
SA’s farmers are heading to the city to watch the Crows take on the Suns on Sunday July 20.
The Drought Support Match is shaping up to be more than just a game — shining a light on the harsh drought gripping SA and raising funds those doing it tough.
Driven by Grain Producers SA (GPSA), the Drought Support Match announced by the South Australian Government, is in partnership with GPSA, the Adelaide Football Club, Primary Producers SA, Livestock SA, and the SA Dairyfarmers’ Association.
The game will support the Rural Business Support (RBS) Relief Fund, with a $100,000 contribution already pledged by the State Government and more donations expected to flow through community donations and corporate support.
The Adelaide Football Club’s Home Match Partner, Foodland, has also stepped up, pledging to donate for every goal kicked by the Crows. Complimentary tickets have been made available for drought-affected primary producers and their families to attend the match.
GPSA Chair John Gladigau said the match presents a vital opportunity to put the reality of drought in front of urban audiences. “This is a chance to take the message of this drought right into the heart of Adelaide and ask city based South Australians and businesses to rally around our farmers.
We’re grateful to the Adelaide Football Club and the State Government for backing this initiative – and we hope it helps raise not just money, but real understanding of what farming families are going through.”
As part of the initiative, Adelaide Crows defender Nick Murray – who runs a sheep property at Hartley – will join other players and Club staff to deliver two free footy clinics for regional kids, in Clare and Mannum, in the lead-up to and following the match. The community clinics will include barbecues and autograph sessions.
“We know a football match won’t break the drought,” Mr Gladigau said. “But it can break the feeling of isolation, raise awareness, and give people a reason to come together — even just for a day,” Mr Gladigau said.
“The money raised through this match will go directly to the Rural Business Support Relief Fund, which is helping drought affected farmers in crisis. At the same time, GPSA has met with the Premier and Minister for Primary Industries and continues to advocate for immediate financial relief for growers – including no/low-interest loans and council rate rebates.”
Drought-affected primary producers can access complimentary tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Details have been distributed directly to growers.
