THE brainchild of a 17 year old Limestone Coast girl has rolled into a region-wide campaign, with the community rallying behind the nation’s drought-affected farmers.
More than 800 bales of hay sourced from within the region have been pledged to the inaugural Mount Gambier Hay Run, with around 30 trucks expected to deliver the feed to farmers next month.
Mount Gambier teenager Zoe Simpson was inspired to help those impacted by drought after witnessing the actions of Tahlia Cowan, a young girl who filled two trucks full of food and hay for farmers in Marthaguy.
After hearing about Tahlia’s initiative, Zoe told her dad she wanted to do something similar and together with family friend Adam Smith, the hay run concept was forged.
“It is so sad to see what the farmers are going through in Queensland and New South Wales,” Zoe said.
“I knew we had to do something because we have the ability to help them out.
“We are lucky here that we get good rain and are not going through drought, but you never know when something might happen here.
“I think it is important to help whenever you can because one day you might need the same support.”
The trio then contacted Brendan “Bumpa” Farrell of the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners (BHR) to see how the Mount Gambier Hay Run could contribute to the BHR 2020 Armidale Hay Run.
Mr Farrell’s campaign started from humble beginnings in 2014, when he heard a farmer needed bales of hay after struggling in drought and has now grown into a nation-wide initiative.
Launched less than two weeks ago, the Mount Gambier installment has received strong support.
“We thought we would only get a couple of loads and we would be happy with that,” Mr Smith said.
“But as soon as we posted the page on Facebook, it just blew up.
“The phones have be ringing off the hook with people wanting to donate hay or a tuck and trailer or even volunteer to drive – it has been amazing.
“We had a chat to Bumpa and told him how great the response has been so far and he was just blown away.”
Mr Smith said although the trio was not expecting such a big response, he knew the Limestone Coast would be generous.
“I think that is just the way people are down here,” he said.
“People are always willing to give what they can to important causes – especially around Christmas time.
“We are just so blown away and grateful to everyone who has jumped on board to support us as well as our sponsors helping us out with everything.
“It would not be possible without the community getting behind us.”
The Mount Gambier group will start taking hay deliveries from January 11, with trucks to depart on January 23.
“We hope to get around 30 trucks on the road,” Mr Smith said.
“That is between 40 and 60 bales of hay per truck depending if it is a single trailer or B-double.
“We will leave Mount Gambier on the 23rd and then head to Burrumbuttock to join up with the main run before bales are delivered on Australia Day.”
Visit facebook.com/mountgambierhayrun for more information.
