AFTER living through the driest January in 111 years, Mitchell graziers are about to receive 150,000 reasons to smile, thanks to four Rotarians who decided to take a stand and provide vital drought aid to the town.

Rotary Club of Mitchell, in conjunction with The Booringa Action group, secured more than $150,000 in drought aid through Rotary and the Federal Government and will disseminate the funds in individual cards, valued at $350, that can only be spent locally at designated businesses.

The scheme follows one of the worst starts to a year on record: Mitchell recorded a dismal 0mm of rain in January, well below the average of 81.44mm. Subsequently the whole town is suffering.

Mitchell Rotarians have come up with a five-fold initiative where money is donated, distributed and spent locally, moving through the community so both land owners and businesses benefit.

President Gary Birkett said businesses had been struggling in the drought, as much as graziers.

"We are grateful because local businesses and employees have welcomed the initiative with open arms,” he said.

"People have been doing it tough since 2015 and it's getting bad and that affects the local businesses too.

"No matter what way you look at it, everyone is paying a price.”

Mr Birkett said Rotary Mitchell had been working with Rotary 9360, a committee of people from Charleville, Mitchell, Roma and Chinchilla, to ensure the southwest received donations.

"We are grateful for the help we have received because we only have four members in Mitchell so, without out the help of Booringa Action Group and Rotary 9360, we would have never of been able to raise this amount on our own and to send it to those in need.”

"It's pleasing to see what we are contributing.”