FARMERS across Millicent and district have opened their hearts to the plight of their drought-afflicted counterparts on the eastern seaboard.
They have already donated 180 bales of hay after an informal appeal was launched last week by Millicent farmer Phillip Bowman.
The lack of rain in New South Wales and Queensland has pushed some farmers to near breaking point and prompted Mr Bowman to respond.
He has already received donations from 20 landholders across the region and is now widening his appeal with the backing of Millicent Lions Club.
Mr Bowman said he aimed to send 410 hay bales interstate.
“You see the hardships of the interstate farmers on every television news bulletin,” Mr Bowman said.
“I am trying to do my bit for them.
“The fodder from this district will head to family farms facing hardship in such areas as Tamworth in New South Wales.
“I have had offers from all parts of the district, including Millicent, Tantanoola, Rendelsham, Hatherleigh, Furner and Bray.
“I have even had one farmer contact me with an offer to supply $1500 worth of fuel.”
Mr Bowman also approached Millicent Lions Club secretary Des Noll OAM to enlist support.
In turn, Mr Noll said the Pakenham Lions Club in suburban Melbourne was already coordinating a relief effort.
“Rather than re-invent the wheel, I put Phillip on to our kindred club,” Mr Noll said.
“They are accepting cash donations via their web page and there are no administration costs, so 100pc of the donations go to the people in need.
“The Pakenham Lions Club will arrange for the donated hay to be collected from the Millicent district.”One of the receival points, which will be operational in the coming week, is at the Gilbertson property on Dunns Road at Rendelsham.
Owner Brett Gilbertson said an area would be set aside after the current wet weather subsides and a tractor would be available for unloading.
Mr Gilbertson said he had received a personal approach from Mr Bowman and his farm was in a central location.
He praised Mr Bowman for taking the initiative and starting the appeal.
“I have seen the front page stories about the drought and watched a girl break down in tears with the prime minister,” he said.
The other receival point is the Baker Group’s Woonallee grain shed at Furner.
Farm manager Geoff Agnew said the depot was now operational and a tractor is available.
He said a number of local people had wondered how they could help the drought-affected farmers.
“This is a good cause and this district did receive a lot of help after the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983,” Mr Agnew said.
Further information about the appeal is available from Mr Bowman on 0427 334 449.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced a further $190m assistance package on Sunday.
“Thousands of farming families will receive immediate additional financial support to help them and their communities fight one of the worst droughts of the past century,” Mr Turnbull said.
“Further longer-term measures to improve the resilience of rural communities to handle drought conditions are being developed across government.
“We will stand with Australia’s farming families every step of the way as they cope with this devastating drought … listening, caring, responding and delivering.”
Member for Barker Tony Pasin has commended the initiative of Mr Bowman and his supporters.
“We all know how tough life can be on the land,” Mr Pasin said.
“It is heart-warming to hear that in the true Aussie spirit our farmers here in the South East are helping those interstate who are really doing it tough.
“That will be absolutely commended.”
He said the $190m package of immediate relief, including support for mental health services, would be welcomed by the farming families doing it tough right across the country.
“We are in this for the long haul and we will stand with our farmers every step of the way,” he said.
“I want to make sure farming families and communities get all the support they need to get through the tough times, recover and get back on their feet.
“While South Australia may not be experiencing the severe drought conditions of Queensland and New South Wales, there are parts of Barker that are in significant rainfall deficit and will do it tough over the next 12 months.
“This additional support is here for them when and if they need it.”
Visit www.needforfeed.org for further details on how to donate.
