Why Dave danced for Dancing with the Stars

Thanks to the dedication of family and friends keeping the farm running during his absence, and the generosity of t David Graham he sheep sponsors, Dave had opportunity to bring the plight of drought stricken farmers to the national stage and raise much needed funds to help other farmers through the public voting.

Although recent rains have improved the prospects of Dave's farm, not all farmers have yet been so fortunate. Thanks to the generosity of many people sponsoring his sheep, he was in a better position than he would have been otherwise. Even with the rain, it will be some time before his farm and other drought affected farms are able to create a viable income to support their custodians. A large number of farmers, including Dave, have accumulated significant debt just keeping things going through the long dry spell. Such debt will take many years of good seasons to clear.

Dave's selection for Dancing with the Stars was that golden opportunity for him to earn his own way, and at the same time, show his appreciation by helping out less fortunate farmers through his charity Bush Connection, from the proceeds of phone voting.

"Bush Connection is run by country people for country people. I find them absolutely vital for our community, they have assisted my family and fellow farmers through our hardships. This is the real reason why I?m doing the show,? he says. ?I want to raise the morale of people in the bush. Hopefully by seeing me on TV, they?ll realise they?re not alone and together we can raise a bit of money to help our farmers, who are really doing it tough?.

Sunrise Interview after Last Show

Ep. 8 Sunrise Interview

David Graham in Dancing With The Stars 2007

Details

Your phone votes for Dave supported:

http://www.bushconnection.org.au

OZcare Bush Connection

The OZcare Bush Connection supports rural families who are facing financial difficulties by providing assistance to address any immediate crisis and to put together an action plan to work towards a positive future. This support may include counseling, referral to services such as financial and legal support, information, advocacy, employment and training services.

Depression and the drought

One million adults and 100,000 adolescents live with depression. Many of these are Australia's farmers. SMH - Audio slideshow

RAIN FROM NOWHERE by Murray Hartin

His cattle didn't get a bid, they were fairly bloody poor,
What was he going to do? He couldn't feed them anymore,
The dams were all but dry, hay was thirteen bucks a bale,
Last month's talk of rain was just a fairytale,

His credit had run out, no chance to pay what's owed,
Bad thoughts ran through his head as he drove down Gully Road
"Geez, great grandad bought the place back in 1898,
"Now I'm such a useless bastard, I'll have to shut the gate.

"Can't support my wife and kids, not like dad and those before,
"Christ, Grandma kept it going while Pop fought in the war."
With depression now his master, he abandoned what was right,
There's no place in life for failures, he'd end it all tonight.

There were still some things to do, he'd have to shoot the cattle first,
Of all the jobs he'd ever done, that would be the worst.
He'd have a shower, watch the news, then they'd all sit down for tea
Read his kids a bedtime story, watch some more TV,

Kiss his wife goodnight, say he was off to shoot some roos
Then in a paddock far away he'd blow away the blues.
But he drove in the gate and stopped - as he always had
To check the roadside mailbox - and found a letter from his Dad.

Now his dad was not a writer, Mum did all the cards and mail
But he knew the style from the notebooks that he used at cattle sales,
He sensed the nature of its contents, felt moisture in his eyes,
Just the fact his dad had written was enough to make him cry.

"Son, I know it's bloody tough, it's a cruel and twisted game,
"This life upon the land when you're screaming out for rain,
"There's no candle in the darkness, not a single speck of light
"But don't let the demon get you, you have to do what's right,

"I don't know what's in your head but push the bad thoughts well away
"See, you'll always have your family at the back end of the day
"You have to talk to someone, and yes I know I rarely did
"But you have to think about Fiona and think about the kids.

"I'm worried about you son, you haven't rung for quite a while,
"I know the road you're on 'cause I've walked every bloody mile.
"The date? December 7 back in 1983,
"Behind the shed I had the shotgun rested in the Brigalow tree.

"See, I'd borrowed way too much to buy the Johnson place
"Then it didn't rain for years and we got bombed by interest rates,
"The bank was at the door, I didn't think I had a choice,
"I began to squeeze the trigger - that's when I heard your voice.

"You said 'Where are you Daddy? It's time to play our game'
"' I've got Squatter all set up, you might get General Rain.'
"It really was that close, you're the one that stopped me son,
"And you're the one that taught me there's no answer in a gun.

"Just remember people love you, good friends won't let you down.
"Look, you might have to swallow pride and get a job in town,
"Just 'til things come good, son, you've always got a choice
"And when you get this letter ring me, 'cause I'd love to hear your voice."

Well he cried and laughed and shook his head then put the truck in gear,
Shut his eyes and hugged his dad in a vision that was clear,
Dropped the cattle at the yards, put the truck away
Filled the troughs the best he could and fed his last ten bales of hay.

Then he strode towards the homestead, shoulders back and head held high,
He still knew the road was tough but there was purpose in his eye.
He called for his wife and children, who'd lived through all his pain,
Hugs said more than words - he'd come back to them again,

They talked of silver linings, how good times always follow bad,
Then he walked towards the phone, picked it up and rang his Dad.
And while the kids set up the Squatter, he hugged his wife again,
Then they heard the roll of thunder and they smelt the smell of rain.

Murray Hartin
February 21, 2007
Muzza (Murray Hartin) was asked to pen something for the Salvation Army that can bring awareness to the general public about Rural suicide. Other work of Murray's including his monumental poem "Turbulence" will be available on his new website soon http://www.murrayhartin.com/

Every 4 days a farmer kills himself

With the disastrous combination of persistent drought and growing debts, Australian farmers are doing it tougher than ever - so tough that many see suicide as their only escape, writes Bettina Arndt - Women's Weekly February 2007. See Story

Dave Pretty Head The former model made his mark in 2006 on the controversial reality TV show. During his emotion-packed days in the compound, the modern cowboy came out to his housemates, winning fans across the country with his honesty and bravery. In that same year, he was the winner of Australia?s Brainiest BB06 Housemate.

Before finding fame on Big Brother, he was managing his family?s 45,000 acre property in Goondiwindi, Queensland. As a youngster, David had dreams beyond the bush. In 1996, at age 17, he was accepted into university to study linguistics. He decided not to go to respect the wishes of his father, who didn?t want him working for anyone else. So he set up camp in the shearers? quarters, jackerooing for a few years.

During trips to Sydney, the good-looking farmer was approached several times by modelling agents. This resulted in a mammoth 13-month world trip, appearing on catwalks and in magazines. He also traveled solo to many obscure parts of the globe including the Middle East, Mongolia and Tibet.

When he came home to Australia, he returned to the farm to take the reigns of his family?s property. Like many farmers around the country, the drought is having devastating effects on his land. As a result, David will be dancing for Bush Connection.

Dave & Eliza - Click for large souvenir image

Dancing With The Stars

When she?s not dancing, Eliza Campagna is probably tearing around Sydney?s countryside on either her road or trail bike. Ironically, she loves the speed and thrill just as much as she adores the elegance of ballroom dancing in a sequinned gown.

Eliza started jazz and tap dancing as a 10-year-old, and tried ballroom for the first time at age 12 ? inspired by the hit Baz Luhrmann movie Strictly Ballroom (which co-incidentally stars two Dancing judges and the show?s co-host Sonia Kruger). She was hooked.

Eliza went on to be the Junior Superstars Modern Open Champion, Australian Junior World Representative, came eighth in Junior British World Championships, and was the East Coast Classic Junior Champion, National Capital Junior Champion, East Coast Classic Youth Champion and the National Capital Youth Champion.

A professional make-up artist with the Australian College of Make Up and Special Effects, she has worked on many TV commercials and photo shoots. She also assisted in the extra's make up for The Mask 2 - The Son of Mask movie.

Eliza, 24, has two spoilt, but very cute, Pomeranians; Simba and Bella.

Eliza was in the last series of Dancing With The Stars partnering actor, Gary Sweet and the prevoius year, rugby league hunk Luke Ricketson.

Raising Money