From his hospital bed, Chris posted a message on Facebook.

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It prompted Dorrigo’s Ruth Holmes, 84, to recall the last Farm Safety Day held in Dorrigo in 1999.

“It was 25 years ago and those who attended still remember the lessons to this day,” she told News Of The Area.

As the idea snowballed, interested parties jumped on board, forming a committee in July 2024 including members of Rotary, Lions, SES, primary schools, Dorrigo schools, Dorrigo Vet and concerned community members.

It was with resounding enthusiasm they all agreed to an educational, workshop-style Farm Safety Awareness Day.

Vets, stock handlers and anyone working or living on a farm is at risk of injury.

“Safety awareness and following certain protocols can make the difference,” Ruth said.

“We want to get the children up to date and aware of what to do to be safe and accident aware.”

Farmers who routinely do jobs can sometimes be slack on safety or wearing protective gear.

“I am the wife of a farmer who didn’t wear ear protection many years ago and now he’s poor at hearing.

“Eye protection is a must, too, and there’s innumerable farm workers who are without a finger, thumb or even a hand.”

The free Dorrigo Plateau Farm Safety Awareness Day took place on Friday, 15 November, and was attended by local school children from Kindy to Year 12, and interested residents.

Activities focused on safety around chainsaws, water, cattle, horses, fires, guns, chemicals, quads, side-by-sides, ride on mowers, motor bikes, large equipment with power take-offs, safe use of cattle yards and gates, use of emergency apps, tying down loads, the information you need on hand when making a 000 call and first aid in the field and on the fly.

Small groups of students spent twelve minutes at each station while the operators gave very precise and relevant information in their chosen industry.

On board on the day were St John’s Ambulance, Dorrigo Veterinary Clinic, McGregor Gourlay, Nutrien Ag Solutions, NSW Police, Megan RFS, Dorrigo Fire and Rescue, Dorrigo SES, Stan Cork Machinery, Super Moto, Lesley Apps, NSW Farmers, Mid North Coast LHD and Dr Jessica Santaos.

“Dorrigo Rotary and Lions Clubs fed the hoards with a sausage sizzle and provided day long refreshments and delicious home baked goods,” Director of Rotary Club Dorrigo Sara Hankin told NOTA.

The day was officiated by Cr Graeme Shephard and Emer Fahey from the Dorrigo Chamber of Commerce.

Commenting on attending the event a Dorrigo High School student said, “We listened to a talk by Dr Jessica about diseases on farms… then moved around in our groups to different stations.

“We got to see the SES telling us about water safety and how to properly use a chainsaw.

“Other groups included the Police, Stan Cork and tractor safety, poison information by Nutrien, Ute safety with McGregor Gourlay and a demonstration by vet Chris Shirley on how to safely work with livestock.”

Dorrigo Show Trust provided the use of the covered horse arena and all the facilities required on the day.

By Andrea FERRARI