Jersey Australia together with International Dairy Week and Global Impact Sale has started to distribute more than $100,000 raised to help farmers impacted by this summer's fires.
The distribution of funds from the IDW Bushfire Appeal is providing significant direct cash support to affected dairy farmers in the Cobargo and north east Victoria regions.
With the generous support of the herd improvement industry, dairy farmers, dairy suppliers and those who purchased items from the silent auction, cattle sales and made donations from across Australia and around the world, about $113,000 was raised to provide direct financial support to dairy farmers
From this amount $50,000 has already been provided to Renee and Harley Salway. Renee's husband and Harley's father Patrick was tragically lost in the fires at Cobargo, alongside his father Robert.
The balance of the funds is being distributed directly to 12 dairy farmers; six in the Cobargo region and six in north-east Victoria
Jersey Australia general manager Glen Barrett said Jersey Australia was proud to get behind and support the appeal.
"The bushfire was a significant tragedy across the dairy farming community," he said.
"The tragic death of Robert Salway, a long-time member of Jersey Australia with the well-known and highly regarded Wilgo Stud, and his son Patrick was devastating and felt across the Association.
"We cannot thank all donors, buyers and supporters of the appeal enough. It certainly makes you swell with pride to see the dairy community come together to provide such amazing support when a lot of the industry has been challenged by long-term drought, water shortage and below par milk price."
Director of IDW and Dairy Livestock Services manager Scott Lord said it was a pleasure to have the dairy community support the bushfire appeal conducted during International Dairy Week.
"The funds raised via the auctions as well as the many cash donations from Australia and overseas show that as an industry we care about our own," Mr Lord said.
"We are proud to be associated with such outstanding results and most importantly funds are getting to those in need in a timely fashion.
"On behalf of International Dairy Week, I sincerely thank all involved in this magnificent appeal."
Global Impact Sales sales manager Declan Patten said: "When we heard about the devastation that happened during this bushfire season, we knew we had to help.
"It was fortunate that this year we were hosting our very first auction at IDW and we knew we had a platform to help others in our dairy community.
"We are overwhelmed with the support received and couldn't be prouder of the dairy community coming together during this difficult time."
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