FRANCHISE NEWSNew South WalesNEWS

DiJONES supports NSW regional towns in drought

DiJONES real estate has been driving economic stimulus in regional communities across NSW this Christmas, visiting more than 14 drought-affected towns, where they ate, shopped, stayed and delivered care packages.

The company covered 3000km over three days as part of its Drought Drive, designed to support regional areas doing it tough in the worst drought in 116 years by spending money in the towns.

During the trip, more than 80 care packages were distributed to the mailboxes of farmers across the central and north west. 

DiJONES General Manager Kylie Walsh, who is originally from Boggabri, said she was humbled by the experience. 

“It was really important for our network to see firsthand the sunburnt, lifeless landscape. A moving experience, the trip was also a great bonding opportunity,” Ms Walsh said.

“Communicating with locals and immersing ourselves in the reality of this drought disaster was a life-changing experience for us all.” 

A trip to the Dubbo Saleyards coincided with an annual McGrath Foundation charity auction. 

“We purchased a $2,000 lamb, re-donating it to the auction which ended up raising over $10,000 for the McGrath Foundation,” Ms Walsh said.

“As a breast cancer survivor myself, this was very close to my heart.” 

DiJONES Lower North Shore Partner Donovan Murphy said the feedback and stories from business owners were remarkable. 

“One of our stops was at Leonard’s Store in Coonamble – this store has been open for 104 years and the drought conditions have seen their sales drop over 50 per cent,” Mr Murphy explained. 

“Our team secured their largest single transaction which included 12 Akubra hats and we were thrilled to meet 86-year-old owner Stan Leonard, an iconic Coonamble community member.” 

Walgett Farmer Jim Collins provided an authentic on-farm experience for Drought Drive participants. 

“It is unreal how generous the team at DiJONES have been, you are helping the community and keeping our shops in town. I think everyone should take a leaf out of your book,” Mr Collins said.

“It means the world to me and it will the community.” 

Owner of the Establishment Bar in Dubbo, Tenelle Bond, praised the DiJONES initiative after the team stopped in at the bar. 

“They were really trying to spread themselves around our city and splitting up to visit as many drought-affected towns as possible,” Ms Bond said. 

“As a new small business owner, coming from a farming family we appreciate the thought and dedication they put into this trip.” 

Ms Walsh said DiJONES is encouraging other corporates to take action in regional NSW, with the compounding effects of the disastrous drought conditions rippling through towns. 

“Our e-catalogue featuring over 200 businesses, from 43 regional towns will stay live on our website into the new year. We encourage others to utilise this phenomenal resource,” she said.

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