Generous donation

They want locals to know there are some city people who understand and sympathise with them.

The donation is in two $20,000 instalments, for 2019 and 2020.

Mr Garnaut said the idea behind donating was supporting a smaller town that doesn’t necessarily catch the tourism eye or government grants.

‘‘We’re Tocumwal people and Finley gets very little attention federally and from state governments,’’ he said.

‘‘I know there’s a significant drought going on here and I think that in these small towns like Finley and even Jerilderie, everyone struggles in this situation. People in the city just assume it’s farmers.

‘‘We accept the fact the people who are struggling the most are farmers, but city people tend to forget the community groups.

‘‘If the farmers are struggling it has a cascading affect on the community. The national media will run campaigns to save the farmers but we also forget there is a bakery, grocery store or pharmacist in town.

‘‘We know the money we’re donating is going for a great cause.’’

Finley Rotary Club president Deb Jewell said it was an ‘‘amazing’’ donation.

‘‘It’s great for the town and for the people to know there are some city people who understand.

‘‘I often wonder if city people really grasp what is happening here.

‘‘The money will go towards Rotary projects, but we have a dairy farmer speaking with us next week to describe what all dairy farmers are going through.

‘‘Our local doctor and fellow member, Alam Yoosuf, sees a lot of people within businesses and farming so also has an idea of who is struggling.’’

Finley Rotary said it keeps all donations to individuals strictly confidential.