50s Lifestyle

Mechanic heads west for farmers

A PADSTOW mechanic has joined NRMA Roadside Patrols and headed west as part of the annual Frontier Services Outback Links program to give farmers facing tough times a helping hand.

George El Amal joined mechanics from Glenwood, Avalon, Camden and Artarmon, and has headed to farming communities near the small town of Tottenham, in the Lachlan Shire of the State’s Central West.
“It was a fantastic experience,” he said.
“It’s just red dust out there, not a blade of grass and the shorn sheep all look so boney but the farming families were thrilled to see us.
“We fixed a few farm vehicles, a quad bike and sorted out some diesel problems.
“The communities are barely holding on but they’re positive and welcoming. We had a great time even though we worked very hard and it’s so nice to have been able to help them.”
Since 2014, the NRMA has sent about 50 patrols and Car Servicing Centre mechanics to dozens of drought stricken farms throughout the far-western and north-western regions of NSW to fix farming equipment such as tractors, windmills and harvesters.
NRMA Executive General Manager Motoring Nell Payne said the NRMA was proud to be able to help with skilled volunteers.
“Our state has been in one of the worst droughts in living memory and it’s taking a huge toll on communities,” Ms Payne said.
“Support comes and goes but at the NRMA, help is in our DNA, which is why we continue to give a helping hand.
“While our volunteers offer excellent skilled support, creating meaningful connections with the farmers and their communities can also hopefully go some way towards easing the stresses of everyday life during such tough conditions.”