Loaded with Mudgee hay, Kylie McDonnell's two prime movers have joined the convoy of Burrumbuttock Hay Runners delivering feed to drought-stricken farmers in Central Queensland.
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In ten weeks Ms McDonnell has collected two full truckloads of hay bales and more than $3500 in cash donations from the Mudgee community.
“We've had plenty of people donating hay which is awesome and I think if we had another truck we could definitely get enough hay to send another,” Ms McDonnell said.
With her partner Michael Price behind the wheel of one truck and Kylie behind the other they left Mudgee at 8am on Thursday making their way to Bourke via Dubbo, Narromine and Nyngan to join the 250 other prime movers.
After an overnight stopover they left Wyandra in Queensland's south at 6am this morning and are due to arrive at Ilfracombe this afternoon.
“I'm really impressed with Mudgee's efforts, I think it's great. We're only a small town and I think we've done a great job,” Ms McDonnell said.
“It's exciting and stressful all in one so I'll be glad to get up there.”
Ms McDonnell said cash raised will go towards fuel costs for the 1500 kilometre journey.
“I want to thank the community for all they've done all the money that's been donated and the hay that's been donated is greatly appreciated.
“Jeremy Cox donated a whole trailer load. He was originally only donating 30 bales and then he rang me up and said: 'You bring a truck here and I'll send it out loaded'.”
Burrumbuttock Hay Runners organiser Brendan “Bumpa” Farrell told The Land about 600 farmers are expected to receive hay. The convoy will bring with it hundreds of rose bunches for farmers' wives and establish a pop-up health check centre at Ilfracombe.
“If these farmers are coming all the way into Ilfracombe they may as well go and get a health check,” Mr Farrell.
“We wanted to do more than just deliver hay and that’s why we’re doing the extra stuff like flowers – just to let the farmers and their families know that some people care about them and what they’re going through.”
Donation can still be made, details at the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners Facebook page.
Donations
- Jeremy Cox donated a full trailer load 56 big 120 small bales
- The Norris Family 22 bales
- Barry Raw 10 bales
- Pat and Vicky Pilley 10 bales
- Chris Pilley 20 bales
- Donations of small squares from Sue from Bunnings, Jamie Sheridan, Gary and Sherrie Miller.
- Central West Working Horse donated $500, Mid-West Working Horse Association donated $500, Grasshopper Soccer donated $450.
