Drought Donations & Community Support

During drought, communities across the Gilgandra and Warrumbungle Local Government Areas (Castlereagh Country) receive an outpouring of support from individuals, community groups, and donors across NSW and beyond. While generosity is deeply appreciated, uncoordinated donations can overwhelm volunteers, create storage issues, and lead to unsuitable items that cannot be distributed.

A local businessman holding a bag of dog food

The following principles underpin our approach to donation and distribution activities:

Local and practical

Support must be tailored to the needs of local communities, focusing on items and services that are genuinely useful.

Simple and transparent

Donation pathways are clear and easy to follow.

Safe and fair

Donations are distributed with respect, privacy, cultural safety, and equitable access.

Partner delivered

Community organisations such as CWA, Rotary, Lions, churches, charities and business groups are central to delivering support.

Do no harm

Avoiding inappropriate goods, uncoordinated drop-offs, volunteer overload and storage burdens.

How to make a donation

Before making a donation read our FAQS, so you can see the best way to contribute and how we manage donations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to donate?: The most helpful donation is a gift card to any of our local shops. These allow families to choose what they need most and support local businesses at the same time.
Why aren’t you accepting goods like pet food, hampers or clothes?: Physical goods can overwhelm our volunteers, require storage we don’t have, and don’t always meet the needs of local families. Gift cards are more flexible, fair and practical.
How do I donate a local gift card?: Cards can be purchased directly from participating local businesses.
Can I donate money?: Yes through approved community groups listed on the Drought Hub. These groups convert funds to gift cards or support families through supervised programs.
How are donations distributed?: Distribution is coordinated by the Donations Working Group, with membership from Council, community groups such as CWA, charities and volunteers. All assistance is delivered confidentially and with dignity.

Can I choose who receives my donation?: No. To ensure fairness, donations are distributed based on assessed need through trusted local groups.
Can businesses outside the region donate?: Yes, we welcome support. Gift cards are still the preferred method.
How do you ensure donations go to the right people?: Community groups and social support networks identify local needs and coordinate confidential distribution under council oversight.
How can I help if I can’t donate money?: You can volunteer with local community organisations, support local businesses, share our social media posts, or attend local events.
Who do I contact with questions?: Contact your local council’s communications team.

Donations and Community Support