Emma Pritchard

After learning of the devastation farmers across Northern NSW are currently experiencing following recent floods and persistent wet weather, Lisa Stitt from Lisa and Co Boutique in Maclean decided she wanted to do something to help.

The 28-year-old local businesswoman organised and hosted a gala fundraising event at the Maclean Showgrounds on May 27 and raised more than $10000.

“Knowing how important our agriculture industry is to our community, I decided to raise funds and the best way for me to do that was to have a gala fundraiser night where people could be educated and show their support,” she said.

“I pulled together a working team and allocated tasks to get donations from our local and broader community. 

“It was important to me to facilitate an event by locals for the locals, using local suppliers and local produce.

“I was completely overwhelmed with the response I received from donations and the ticket sales.

“We sold 100 in 10 days.”

During the event, Ms Stitt also donated 10 percent of proceeds from her business including funds raised from a local fashion parade to farmers in need.

“The night was a huge success,” she said.

“There were standing ovations and strong interest by the community who wanted to do what they could to help support our local farmers.”

Guest speakers at the gala fundraiser included local farmer Ross Farlow, Chairman of Clarence Canegrowers and Chair of NSW Canegrowers Council, who spoke to the crowd about his ideas to protect Maclean from future flooding, and members of Feed4Friends, who shared the background story behind their formation and updates about the ongoing work they are doing to support rural producers.

Following the success of the gala fundraiser, Ms Stitt received widespread praise for her dedication and support of her local community.