Home and Away star Lynne McGranger's emotional plea

She may be a “city girl through and through”, but Lynne McGranger has long had an affinity with the land. And for the much- loved TV star, who plays Irene in Home and Away, doing all she can to help our nation’s drought-stricken farmers is a high priority.

“If we do something to try and help keep our farmers on their land – and it’s a case of whatever we can do – then, when the drought does break, there will be people there to plant and grow our crops, and our supermarket shelves will be full again,” says Lynne.

WATCH: Lynne McGranger as Irene in Home & Away’s Latest preview

For the second year running, Lynne is throwing her support behind the Dollars for Dust fundraising evening.

To be held in Sydney this Saturday, September 14, this year’s charity night will feature a trivia contest – to be hosted by none other than fellow Home and Away favourite Shane Withington (aka John Palmer).

And with several other cast members set to attend, there will also be “auctions, raffles and plenty more fundraising fun”, says Lynne.

“I love being an entertainer and I love acting – and I know we bring pleasure to people – but to be able to do something hands-on to help our struggling agricultural industry is a really lovely thing,” she says. “My heart is absolutely in it.”

With New South Wales still in the grip of one of the worst droughts in decades, the charity evening will raise funds for the Drought Angels, which assists drought-affected farmers and communities all over Australia.

“A makeup artist friend of mine, Sherri Meisner, started Dollars for Dust in collaboration with Drought Angels,” says Lynne.

“She realised she needed to do something for the farmers – that she just couldn’t just sit idly by.

“Whatever we can do to help the farmers through this terrible crisis is so important. Last year’s fundraiser night was a huge success. It was above and beyond our expectations and this year’s event looks set to be wonderful too. It’s a cause that’s very dear to our hearts.”