Two community organisations collaborating for a good cause will always make for a good news story. In this case it also involved a whole lot of country themed fun.

Western Rural Connect, a newly formed organisation, led by a group of enthusiastic young women from around Narromine, aims to strengthen the Western Plains communities by enhancing social connection.

According to a WRC spokesperson, a "wild idea" turned into a reality with the staging of the first ever New Year's Eve Harvest Cut Out Ball at the Narromine Showground; doubling as a social event and also a chance to officially launch the organisation.

.Around 160 people travelled from near and far to see in the new year, coming from locations including Armidale, Sydney, Canberra, Warren, Nyngan, Maitland, Dubbo and Moree.

"James Cleaver was MC," the WRC spokesperson said. "He opened up about taking care of yourself and your mates during tough times. We also celebrated the end of a challenging cropping season and allowed people to socially connect after a busy year."

Not attending, but grateful for the event were members of the Narromine Hospital Auxiliary. Fund-raising from the Harvest Cut Out Ball led to a donation of over $5000 to the volunteer group ($5075 to be exact!), earmarked for an ultrasound machine for the Narromine Hospital.

"We definitely appreciate the funds that have come in from Western Rural Connect," Julie Davis, treasurer of the Narromine Hospital Auxiliary said. "The donation will go toward an ultrasound machine and we will continue to fundraise until we have the full amount."

Julie Davis, treasurer of the Narromine Hospital Auxiliary said the $5000 donation from WRC will go toward a much needed ultrasound machine.

While WRC is a new group in the Narromine community, the Hospital Auxiliary has been going since 1950.

"We do a lot of fund-raising ourselves," Mrs Davis said. "We have purchased a slit lamp to deal with eye injuries but generally our money is raised by cake stalls and trading tables and goes toward smaller items."

Mrs Davis said at one point the Narromine Hospital was in danger of closing.

Keiley Noble, WRC president, thanked all who helped bring the event to fruition. 

"Fortunately we had a trouble shooter come in from Dubbo and things turned around. Our group loves doing what we do, but with an average age of 83, we are limited to what we can do," she said.

Not that age will stop the enthusiastic group.

"Future purchases will hopefully include a new morgue trolley and a simulator for nurses," Mrs Davis said. "We really appreciate donations like that from Western Rural Connect and anyone wanting to help our auxiliary out is more than welcome."

By any measure, the Harvest Cut Out Ball was a win-win for all sides.

"Events like these form an important part of our social fabric in western NSW," a WRC spokesperson said. "Everyone said it was such a great night and want the event to happen again in 2024."