By KATRINA BRANDON
ACROSS Victoria, farmers are sending hay to fire-affected communities.
Joining the line, the Lions of Traralgon joined the Australian Hay Runners on January 31, driving from Rosedale to Yea, picking up more runners closer to the drop-off point.
Rolling in online support and awareness of the journey, Lions Club member and Latrobe City Council Deputy Mayor Dale Harriman posted on Facebook about the journey.
He said, “It is just absolutely fantastic, rolled out by the Aussie Hay Runners. (There was) probably about 10 units in front of us and 30 or 40 behind, just heading through Darnum with the convoy started in Rosedale, picked up a few of us in trail, and some more at Traf.
“This is a great thing to be a part of. This is what Lions is all about.
“Where there is a need, there is a Lion. There’s a hundred plus utes and a couple of trucks. The best part is that we’re getting so much support, so many cars beeping, not at us, but in support of us and flashing their lights.”
From utes to semis, hundreds of people joined the convoy heading to Yea, ensuring that there was no shortage of feed heading up for livestock that had survived the fires.
Lions Club of Traralgon member Kev Taylor said that while it had been a great day, seeing the devastation of the countryside being burnt was quite emotional.
“One of the blokes we went to hadn’t had any feed for a week,” he said.
“The real fantastic thing about this run is that there are a lot of young kids and their utes and their 4WDs that are getting behind this and helping the cause.”
Other convoys have also made their way up to the fire-affected areas, with hay being sent from all regions of Gippsland, like the Latrobe Valley and South Gippsland.
South Gippsland Shire Council mayor, Nathan Hersey, aided the Lions Club of Strzelecki in its run.
“Our region was asked to support the Need for Feed Hay Drive to assist fire-affected farmers, and our region delivered,” he said.
“From the moment the appeal was announced, donations flowed in from across the region – South Gippsland, Bass Coast, Baw Baw and further afield – including contributions from farmers who, not long ago, were themselves impacted by drought.
“I am incredibly humbled by the generosity shown and would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed. My thoughts are with the fire-affected communities, and I hope the donations provide practical support during a very difficult time.”
Fire-affected locals wished to thank those who supported them, saying their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.
Ruffy locals Leonie Sanders and Matthew Leiper had a “lovely little hamlet that the fire has decimated”.
For Ms Sanders, this was her first experience with bushfires, whereas Mr Leiper has experienced many fires in the past.
Mr Leiper was born and raised in Yinnar South. Working with the Ruffy community, the couple began receiving donations of jerry cans, non-perishables, toiletries, hay and fresh water.
“To all who have donated, thank you so much,” Ms Sanders and Mr Leiper said.
“Ruffy is a hive of activity. It’s so odd to see this quiet little hamlet bustling with people and vehicles. Everyone was there either to help or to be helped, or in many cases, both. Hay coming and going. Donations arriving. The kitchen is preparing meals for everyone. A shower block is being delivered.
“The CFA trucks are heading out to tackle flare-ups. People are collecting donated supplies. Many stories are being told of miracles, of loss, of strength. People are doing whatever jobs are needed. Much-needed hugs. Much-needed reassurance. Much-needed sense of community. People providing a listening ear and quiet empathy.
“It is truly heart-warming. Often heartbreaking. But always an absolute privilege to be supporting our community.”
For more information, go to the Traralgon Lions Club – Supporting Aussie Farmers Facebook page or the Aussie Hay Runners Facebook page.
LOCAL charity Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) stands ready to assist local residents in the event of bushfires.
With bushfires in other parts of Victoria and record temperatures predicted, GERF president, Andy Tegart, said there is a real possibility of a spread of bushfires in Gippsland.
Donations to GERF are tax deductible and will go entirely to supporting Gippslanders impacted by natural disasters.
To find out more about GERF or make a donation, visit: www.gerf.org.au
