O'Connor Catholic College has opened its doors - or, rather, its shower cubicles - to people affected by the drought.
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People without access to water can use facilities at the school, principal Regina Menz said.
"We have families on the land who are feeding every day; who are fighting bushfires; and who are not on town water," Ms Menz said. "The biggest thing that has come up from those families is access for washing and for showers."
The showers, Ms Menz said, are not just for O'Connor students.
"I'm happy to help the community," she said. "If other people want something, they can contact me, because we can help them out."
North Hill Laundromat also offers free laundry to people out of town twice a month.
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The school has many families from Guyra, Walcha, and Uralla, Ms Menz said.
"I don't think many people in the city understand what these people are going through," Ms Menz said.
Some students are already tired from feeding stock before they begin classes, then go home to stressed and anxious parents. Another family, she said, spent $50 or more a week on washing in town.
"It's stress they don't need," Ms Menz said. "Mental illness [caused by] not being able to pay and not having access to fresh water is huge, and we want to stop it. We want to really support people."
The Catholic Schools Office (Diocese of Armidale) also set aside a $200,000 Drought School Fee Relief Fund last year to help schools offer fee and excursion relief to parents.
Ms Menz invited school parents having difficulties with fees to speak to her. "It's always the case in our school that fees are never a reason not to come to O'Connor," she said, "but this is a time of significant need in our community."
Small businesses are also affected, Ms Menz said; some families can't afford uniforms, computers, or to go on school camps and excursions.
"We're offering significant help in that respect as well," Ms Menz said. "We want to support everyone to have access the same as they could normally."
Laundry offers free washing machines
People who live out of town and lack access to water can wash their laundry for free at North Hill Laundromat, 38 Marsh Street, twice a month, on the first and third Monday, starting next week.
The offer is owner Peter Galbraith's contribution to the drought.
"These poor people are doing it tough," manageress Marian Barrett said. "They have to buy water, and do their washing. They come in and might use four or five washing machines; that's $20 just to wash."
Patrons must provide proof of residency such as a driver's licence.
"I just want to express my support for everyone in our community in this time," Ms Menz said. "The more we can pull together and help each other, then we can really make a difference to people's lives."
Call Ms Menz on 6772 1666, or email occadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au. Call North Hill Laundry on 6771 3221.