Aussie Hay Runners (AHR) are heading back to the Upper Hunter LGA in NSW to provide their final follow-up relief for farmers still doing it tough.
Some areas have had some rain, but there are farmers who need help after the bushfires late last year, said AHR organisers.
“So, with the continued support of the NSW Rural Assistance Authority, Scott Stevens and the Heyfield Lions Club, Linda Widdup and her small team of volunteers and AHR’s large team of drivers, they are gearing up for their final return run,” said a media release announcing the run.
In total, 20 trucks will travel a combined 45,450km, carrying 640 bales of donated hay valued at $60,800, directly helping farmers, their families and in turn, their communities.
Trucks will travel to their meet up point of Tomingley on Friday, April 5, and the next morning the convoy will set off via the Newell Highway, onto the Golden Highway.
They will travel through Dunedoo, Merriwa, Denman and Aberdeen before they split into six groups and head to their respective depots to unload before turning around to start their trek back to Victoria.
It’s their fourth run into this area in as many months, and ninth in total for AHR in 2024.
By the time the last bale is delivered, there will have been 144 trucks that have travelled 319,340km carrying a massive 4807 bales of donated hay.
“Just the logistics alone in organising this is pretty impressive,” said AHR founder Linda Widdup.
“There are, and always will be, natural disasters and farmers needing our help, so if you can, please make a donation, 100 per cent of your donation will be used to purchase hay.”
If you are a farmer in the Upper Hunter LGA and are still in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Linda on 0421 972 332.
To follow the convoy and find donation details, visit the AHR Facebook page here.
“And, if you see them on the road, make sure to show your support with a toot and a wave.”