Aussie Hay Runners on their way to help SA
A convoy of 26 trucks loaded with more than 800 bales of donated hay will make its way to SA early next month, to give some reprieve to farmers enduring one of the worst droughts since records began.
Trucks will meet in Ararat on Friday November 1, before heading out to some of South Australia’s most affected areas, including Australia Plains, Callington, Dawesley, Loveday, Mannum, Mt Mary, Monarto, Mulgundawa, Parilla, Robertstown, Sutherlands and Truro.
It’s Aussie Hay Runners’ first run into the state, and the charity’s founder, Linda Widdup says “it’s not a handout, it’s a hand up”. Trucks will travel a combined 50,000 kilometres securing top-quality hay from across Victoria and making their way to the 13 different SA locations, stopping off at Tailem Bend first, where the Lions Club will welcome them with a lunch to show their appreciation.
“It’s really important in these very hard times that the hay we take is top quality, with the highest nutritional value possible, as these animals have been struggling for months,” Widdup said.
“Farmers in South Australia are the least confident in our great nation. Almost half expect this situation to continue to worsen. Many are struggling daily and some are facing conditions they may never recover from.”
The generous hay donations are valued at $164,160 and will help 52 farmers, their families, and communities. Aussie Hay Runners was established in 2019, after Widdup, who lives in country Victoria, had witnessed the impact of devastating effects of drought, and wanted to help in some way. Now in her fifth year with a small group of dedicated volunteers and a large group of drivers, AHR is supported by NSW Rural Assistance Authority, Scott Stevens, Heyfield Lions Club, and Ray Akers from Gippsland Hay Relief.
“There are always areas in need of help, and our logistics team works hard planning and scheduling,” she said. If you’d like to make a donation, with 100 per cent of funds going towards hay purchases, you can follow the convoy and find a link to donate here.
And if you come across the haul of hay on your travels, be sure to give them a friendly wave and a toot!
