Hay Runners Bring Welcome Relief

Donations of hay from Gippsland farmers were gratefully accepted by their drought-stricken counterparts in the Colac/Otway region on Saturday 12 April. Truck driver Don Petty drove one of 14 rigs that transported the much-needed feed to over a dozen farmers experiencing dry conditions on Victoria’s South coast.

The event was celebrated at the Colac Showgrounds where Showgrounds President Ray Wheadon with help from committee member Gemma, made cooking facilities available and opened up the antique machinery sheds for interested parties. A handful of local farmers attended the event so that they could meet the volunteer drivers and show their heart-felt gratitude.  Showgrounds and P&A committee members cooked a BBQ to feed the crew on the night and provided breakfast the following morning before the drivers headed back home.

Two of the trucks that accompanied the convoy were part of the Aussie Hay Runners charity. RFCS financial counsellor George Leishman was at the event and heard from Aussie Hay Runners founder Linda Widdup that canola hay from the Riverina may find it’s way to the region in the next few weeks. In the meantime, Don has been busy trying to organise another hay run to the Hamilton/Warrnambool region which has also seen a dry Autumn.

To find out more about Aussie Hay Runners go to https://www.facebook.com/aussiehayrunners/