Farming family abused for doing normal two-week shop in town

There was also a report of a minibus pulling up at the supermarket from outside the area to load up on goods that have become scarce in the city.

Temora locals are already finding it hard to buy sugar, tissues, pasta and toilet paper in their town.

Menswear shop owner and Temora mayor Rick Firman said he was shocked to hear from a farmer that he and his family were abused for having their shopping trolley full of goods, when they were just doing their normal shop in town, that involves getting two weeks of supplies.

The Land understands a number of expletives were thrown the families' way.

The farmer told Mr Firman he was abused . "He told me this person, whom I'm sure wasn't from town, that he said 'who do you think you are you so and so loading up your trolley, you're a .... disgrace."

"The farmer is such a gentleman and his children and wife were shocked and made to feel guilty."

The farmer told him: "my wife and children don't expect to be treated like that." He didn't know who the person was.

Mr Firman also had a report on Wednesday of a minibus from out of town landing at the supermarket to stock up on scarce goods - at a time when Temora locals were running short on essential items.

"At this time we need to show some respect and grace. Our council is meeting to talk about how we manage facilities in this virus pandemic and above all we want to say to people 'calm down and think of others'.

"Let's not forget to take care of our friends and neighbours as well.

"We are blessed in the Murrumbidgee health area we don't have any cases (of COVID19), but that may change.

"What we need to do is listen to our Australian Government, the health officials and show some care and grace and we will get through

"People in other times have gone through a lot worse situation and contended with greater challenges so we need to put things in perspective. Yes things might not be the same, but Australians never give up and we will get on top again."

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Mr Firman said he felt like speaking out as a timely reminder to people after the farmer was attacked. "It's not something we normally hear of in this shire," he said.

In a Temora Council press release Mr Firman wrote to ratepayers: "'May I remind us all, to please remain calm during this Virus Pandemic. We need to look after ourselves but also take care of others, where we can. We need to be respectful of others too - This is the Temora Shire way. None of us really know each-others personal situations'.

"Together, we will get through this current challenge. This Virus will pass, however, it will serve no purpose at all if we 'lose our heads'. Just remember what challenges our Forefathers have had to contend with over the centuries - we can all handle this latest, temporary set-back too.

"'Once again, please take care of yourselves and each other - particularly our seniors."

On the bright side, many areas in the shire had more than 60mm of rain a few weeks ago and this had lifted spirits and hope.