In rural communities we know that tough times are easier to face when you’re not doing it alone.
That’s the driving force behind The Dry Run, an initiative proudly led by NALAG (National Association for Loss and Grief) in partnership with local community organisations.
It is putting that truth into action, by creating spaces for locals to connect, prepare, and share the knowledge that helps them weather and get ahead of tough times, like drought.
Strong social ties are one of the most effective defences against hardship, The Dry Run is a series of community events designed to spark meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.
One of these low-key, locally led gatherings will be held in Cobar next week. (See advertisement on this page for details.)
Whether you’re on the land, in a small business, or supporting others in your community, The Dry Run is for you.
“These aren’t big, formal events — they’re about turning up, having honest chats, and reminding ourselves that we don’t have to do any of this alone,” NALAG CEO Trudy Hanson said.
“When we create room for real stories, real strategies and real connection practical outcomes just happen.”
In partnership with local community groups and on-ground services, The Dry Run will provide access to updated information about mental health support, community assistance, and practical tools to prepare mentally, physically, financially, and socially for drought.
People can learn from each other, from lived experience and professional insight alike, taking home simple, actionable tools to check in on their family, friends and neighbours, and to take small steps towards preparedness in their own lives.
“These conversations are about more than just surviving drought.
“They’re about helping people feel stronger, more connected, and more capable of facing what’s ahead, whatever that looks like,” Ms Hanson said.
At its core, The Dry Run is about recognising that presentations and pamphlets don’t build community strength, people do.
And when rural communities come together, share what they know, and stand side by side, they’re not just preparing for drought, they’re building something even more powerful: connection that carries us through.
