RAW ready for seasonal struggles
RAW outreach worker Ebony Lette is back on the ground to support the community.
February 5, 2025
As the fields across the region rapidly turn a hue of brown, Rural Alive and Well is ready to support a greater need across the community.
RAW outreach worker Ebony Lette is back after an extended break, following back surgery and a recovery that did not go to plan.
Ms Lette said she was ready to hit the ground running – or maybe waddling - after being out of action since late November.
“I always knew I would have to have the surgery, but we didn’t know when it would have to happen,” Ms Lette said.
“I was bed-ridden for four weeks and then I fractured it again putting away the Christmas tree which put me back another three weeks.
“While I have been gone there has been phone support from other outreach workers across the State, but I am super pleased to be back out and getting my boots on the ground.”
She urged anyone in the community in need to assistance to reach out and she’s also reminded people to keep an eye out on neighbours and loved ones as a challenging dry spell looms.
“If people aren’t confident to have a conversation with someone that they might see changes in or who is struggling with seasonal conditions, they can call 1800 729 827 or if they see me out in the community they can reach out.
Ms Lette said it was often a tough time for farmers dealing with stock they are struggling to feed.
“When they are already stressed out and overwhelmed, my role is commonly to help find resources for them, such as getting them linked into Rural Business Tasmania, helping with applications they can go through for funding with the government or links for financial support.
“I can sit with them over a cup of tea and agree with them that it’s a challenging time and we are all in it together.
“Let’s make sure we are looking out for our neighbours and reaching out because it’s really important to have tangible conversations.”
Nutrien Ag Solutions livestock agent Cabel Hall said one positive was that the region was in a better position this year compared to 12 months ago.
“We are coming off what ended up being a pretty decent spring. A lot of people have a bit of hay and silage stacked up,” he said.
“The store cattle market may feel the pinch in the next while before we get an autumn break but the cattle and sheep market is really set up to launch if we get conditions to suit.
“But if it does stay dry, we think the job will be a little bit more subdued but certainly won’t be as bad as it was six to 12 months ago.”
Bureau of Meteorology Senior Climatologist Jonathan Pollock said Scottsdale had a 57 percent chance of above average rainfall during February which could help the situation facing anyone struggling with the summer dry.
“The long-range forecast shows there is no strong push towards above or below average rainfall for most of Tasmania, with slightly increased chances of above average rainfall for the central north coast and parts of the Bass Strait Islands, during February.
“At the same time, both maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be higher than average across the State.
Scottsdale also has a 57 percent chance of above average rainfall during March.