‘Dresses for the Drought’ finds a home in Western Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government has thrown its support behind the ‘Dresses for the Drought’ campaign, gifting the use of a government facility in Longreach to house donated clothing and accessories.

The campaign, which helps teens in drought affected areas attend their school formals, was started by sisters Tashoni Hardy and Anita Guyett.

They have set up a Facebook page and are asking the community to donate their own formal and semi-formal wear (dresses, suits and tuxedos, heels, dress shoes, clutches and jewellery, bow-ties and ties) which students can wear on their big day.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner delivered a box of dresses and accessories donated by Ministerial staff this afternoon and said he was amazed by the support people from the city were showing for their country cousins.

“The year 12 formal is often the highlight of the senior schooling year and the culmination of years of hard work by the students,” Mr Furner said.

“Having a nice dress or suit to wear on the night is a big part of the occasion.

“I commend the initiative organised by Tashoni and Anita and encourage everyone to dig through their wardrobes and donate formal attire they may not need anymore.

“Every little bit helps.”

Mr Furner said the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) office in Longreach had been made available to store the boxes of donated goods that had been sent from Brisbane.

“This is a small thing that the Queensland Government is doing to help this wonderful initiative and I would like to thank the DAF staff for coming on board,” he said.

The ‘Dresses for the Drought’ collection point in Brisbane is open until tomorrow afternoon.

People can drop off between 7:45am to 5pm at Racecourse Road Dental, Level 1, 33 Racecourse Road Hamilton.

For further info visit the ‘Dresses for the Drought’ Facebook page.

Media: Brock Taylor - 0427 018 178