The first of five semi-trailers laden with hay, donated by the Sutherland Shire community, has reached a drought-stricken area.
The vehicle rolled into Oberon in central western NSW on Wednesday, and others will soon be arriving in Denman (upper Hunter) Wingham (inland from Taree), Tooraweenah (north of Dubbo) and Broken Hill (far west).
Oberon mayor Kathy Sajowitz and Sutherland mayor Carmelo Pesce welcomed the first load of hay, arranged through Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale program.
A council allocation of $47,500 was boosted by donations from individuals in the shire.
Cr Pesce also handed over food and fuel vouches, funded by individual donations,for Oberon Council to distribute to families in need.
Cr Sajowitz said, “To the residents of Sutherland Shire, who have reached out, I can only say that on behalf of the Oberon community, thank you so much”.
“To donate a truck load of hay to a farmer in need hundreds of kilometres away has a huge positive impact,” she said.
“For the farmer this gift comes down to viability and the means to keep going…or not.”
Cr Pesce said a young woman, whose uncle in Oberon would be among the recipients, had told of his reaction.
His first response had been, “Someone else deserves it more”.
When he was told the hay was on its way and he had to accept it, he had replied, “Well I better cancel the truck” – he had arranged for 70 of his cattle to be picked up to sell.
Cr Pesce thanked the shire community and Oberon Council for ensuring donations were given to those most in need.
