SPIRIT OF THE BUSH PADDOCK TOUR
Event Gallery
Australian of the Year Lee Kernaghan is currently touring drought stricken areas around Australia in his Spirit of the Bush Paddock Tour.

Lee visits communities which have been severely affected by drought and co-ordinates an event where the community comes together for what Lee calls a day of information and communication.

On Sunday 10th August he appeared in Millmerran Qld. to meet with Federal Minister for Agriculture Tony Burke.

The event was held on the Millmerran Showgrounds, situated 80kms southwest of Toowoomba on the Gore Highway.

Local musicians and artists donated their talents for an afternoon concert, while Lee and Minister Burke talked to local community members.

Lee recently used his Australian of the Year Award to draw attention to the plight of farming families stricken by drought.
Speaking directly to Kevin Rudd the country music star said current drought assistance schemes disadvantaged farmers who worked to supplement their meagre incomes.

"This is a problem that really needs to be fixed," Lee Kernaghan said. "Should farming families on a drought stricken farm earn more than $400 a week off their farm they begin to lose important entitlements under the drought relief package."

"The policy as it stands effectively takes away any hope of farming families... of working their way out of debt."

Close to tears he added "This topic makes me very emotional because I know these families. I've met families across Australia in this position."

Kernaghan said, like the rest of the Paddock Tours the event in Millmerran was very informal. Information was made available to families on the day, there was a sausage sizzle and jumping castle for the kids thanks to the generosity of local council, businesses and community groups.

The event was supported by the National Australia Day Council and Toowomba Regional Council. The series of events are being held across Australia in conjunction with Aussie Helpers, a community based charity that assists families who have been severely affected by drought and which Lee Kernaghan is a patron of.

For more information visit www.aussiehelpers.org.au

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• Geoff, Lee & Anthony

Renee & Shevawn meet country music legend & Aussie hero
Lee Kernaghan.

Lee Kernaghan performs a few songs.

An enthusiastic crowd gather around the main stage.

Lee Kernaghan joins officials & the Minister of Agriculture.

Hot Country's Gary Turner (Centre) with Janet & David of the
Aussie Helpers

G. Rodgers & Gary Turner at the Spirit of the Bush Paddock Tour

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