Australia Day 2021: Robyn Rawson named Citizen of the Year

And now, Ms Rawson has been named Citizen of the Year during the Australia Day Awards presented by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

Ms Rawson said she felt honoured to receive the award.

The campaign to help farmers hard hit by the drought took shape after Ms Rawson and her husband Luis Baker saw drought devastation during an inland holiday in 2019.

Ms Rawson started a grocery drive which triggered an outpouring of compassion.

A semi-trailer and five fully loaded 4WDs towing trailers delivered donated goods to farmers in the Tamworth area at Christmas 2019.

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There was also a need to help farmers on the Mid-North Coast.

The Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Surrounds Doing it for Our Farmers group was formed, which later changed its name to Mid North Coast Farmers Support Group.

Farmers from Wingham, Hannam Vale, Kempsey, Birdwood, Rollands Plains, Willawarrin and Long Flat were among those assisted through the campaign.

Donations ranged from groceries to toiletries, pet food and fodder.

The campaign didn't miss a beat when drought relief expanded into emergency fire support.

The group continued to collect donations and deliver them to the farmgate until June 2020.

Ms Rawson describes herself as a "proud local".

"I've always known that the people of Port, Wauchope and surrounding areas are extremely compassionate, supportive and generous," she said.

"This was never more evident to me than when our community rallied in support of our primary producers."

Ms Rawson encourages others to help out in the community, while recognising the many volunteers already doing their bit.

"I believe if you see a need in the community, and you can do something about it, just have a go," she said.

"I'm just the lady next door who thought let's get a few boxes together for the farmers and it turned into much more than that."

Ms Rawson thanked everyone who supported the campaign including businesses, community groups and hundreds of individuals.

Ms Rawson also thanked her husband and the group of hardworking volunteers.

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