Joining forces with Hunter Local Land Services, the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs formed a unique partnership on Monday which saw hundreds of farming families gather at Scone Polo Fields.

With a free training session for the kids and a range of drought support services hand, the promotion was aimed at getting the farming community out, socialising and raising awareness of the assistance available during dry times.

“Rugby is an important part of the country fabric so it’s vital that we get out and support it,” Brumbies team manager Bill Swain said.

“We’ve only just played against the Waratahs in the last round of the competition so it’s all pretty fresh.

“After being fierce rivals only a few weeks ago, now they’re working together.”

Swain was quick to point out the team’s connection with the bush, with former Wallaby and Brumbies co-captain Sam Carter growing up in Quirindi.

“We actually flew over his property as we came in today and we think we saw his father out feeding stock,” Swain said.

“It’s the same story with the Waratah boys, there’s quite a number that have country heritage so it’s really important that we show our support together.

“Particularly with drought relief, we want to work together, be cooperative and be a rugby support rather than just a team.

“And it’s a real positive thing; the kids get to see some of the stars that they watch on television, not from just one team but two.”

While the juniors were put through their paces, community groups came out in droves to share the range of rural support services available.

Representatives of the CWA were on hand to talk about their disaster relief program while charity Rural Aid, who has been active in the area since January, provided information about the range of services available including on-the-ground counselling.

Rural financial councillors, the Department of Primary Industries Rural Resilience Program, Local Land Services staff and Upper Hunter Community Services were also on hand while Ellerston Public School ran the bar and Scone Junior Rugby Club operated the canteen.

Hunter Local Land Services general manager Brett Miner said the day was a really important part of drought support and a testimony to the resilience of rural communities.

“One of the risks for landholders is when they get stuck on their own properties and become isolated,” he said.

“So today, thanks to the support of the Brumbies, the Waratahs and NSW Rugby we’ve been able to bring some of the kid’s local, state and even national level rugby heroes and role models out and the families out with them.

“Every farmer’s situation is different, that’s why it’s taken government some time to actually put together a package that meets as many needs as possible.”

Mr Miner said the take-home message for landholders is “please don’t self-assess”.

“We hear lots of examples every week of people saying they won’t be eligible for something,” he said.

“We are really encouraging people to come to events like this, pick up the phone, talk to us and we will make sure you actually get an accurate assessment and help you through the paperwork.”

For further information on NSW Government assistance available contact the Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au