The Perich Group is donating $1 million to the NSW Farmers Natural Disaster Relief Fund to help rebuild bushfire affected farms and restore local food and fibre production in south east NSW.
The priority for this donation is to support primary producers, particularly dairy farmers, who have been directly impacted by fire, or are unable to access fodder and water, or distribute milk due to road closures or electricity outages.
"This is a tremendous donation from the Perich family, who are keen to support fellow farmers in a time of need. It will provide both immediate relief and medium term support," NSW Farmers' President James Jackson said.
The Perich family's business interests include Leppington Pastoral Company, a family owned and operated dairy farm at Bringelly that spans three generations. Kolombo and Julia Perich founded the dairy in 1951 at Leppington, milking 25 cows.
Sons Tony and Ron have helped develop the business to what it is today, which now features 2000 cows in a modern dairy facility.
The family also milk over 10,000 cows through Australian Fresh Milk Holdings and run a property at West Wyalong to rear stock and grow various grains and hay.
"We want this money to reach the farmers and NSW Farmers will make sure that happens. We want others to join us in supporting this bush fire appeal, our donation is a start and we will encourage everyone we know to help too," Tony Perich said.
Mr Jackson said NSW Farmers will work with registered and respected charities with established logistic networks to provide fodder, feed and water in the short term. This may also include seeking access to generators to aid production and short-term storage of perishable product, and emergency fencing repairs to aid herd containment.
"We will be making direct contact with charities, including Rapid Relief Team (RRT), Rural Aid, Lions Need for Feed, and Blaze Aid to determine their capacity to deliver targeted response to dairy farmers," Mr Jackson said.
"Once the immediate emergency has passed we will work with impacted farmers to provide ongoing support and implement measures to enhance sustainability of these farm businesses.
"I would like to acknowledge the financial support coming into regional communities from businesses, celebrities and everyday Australians. It's an inspiration to all and backs government support in rebuilding our communities."
Farmers can report stock losses and infrastructure damage, and request animal assessment or emergency fodder or water for stock, by calling the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647. People without phone access can send a direct message via the NSW DPI Facebook page.
