Hay relief:
A brainwave of local businessman Michael Daniels (right) quickly took shape last week when he sought assistance to provide some much needed relief to struggling East Gippsland farmers. With the assistance of (from left) Warragul Lions Club including members Tom Nunan and Peter Hammond, as well as local contractor Duncan McNeil, they have been able to convert grass to much needed fodder and deliver the hay to East Gippsland.
Drought stricken farmers in East Gippsland are set to receive some muchneeded assistance following a brainwave by a local businessman.
For Michael Daniels, watching a documentary on the current drought sweeping Australia brought back memories of his Wimmera born mother. After years of devastating drought Michael’s mother (then six years old) was sent away to live with an aunt and uncle in East Gippsland because her parents could not afford to care for her.
While this is less likely to happen today, the current drought has farmers struggling to provide for their families.
Michael decided he wanted to do something to help. He noticed that his land development in Bowen Street had quite the opposite problem of drought with grass literally jumping out of the ground. What better way to help farmers in drought affected areas than providing them with free feed for their stock?
“If we can help, we should,” says Michael.
With the assistance of Duncan McNeil of McNeil Contracting, the grass was cut, raked and baled and will be distributed to some of East Gippsland’s farmers.
It occurred to Michael that his was not the only land in the shire with tonnes of potential feed going to waste. Phone calls to other developers in the district has seen the Seebek Group offer their paddocks to cut for hay as well as offers from the Jana Group and Copelands Estate, to help pay for transport and delivery costs.
With logistical help from McNeil Contracting and the Lions Club of Warragul, Michael hopes that his initial idea can grow and that people all over the district can donate either their grass, time or money for farmers.
Warragul Lions Club president Peter Hammond said that while most of the national media attention has focussed on the drought in the north, East Gippsland is suffering just as badly.
“Talking to Mick and Duncan we decided that the most cost-effective way we can help is to send this feed to our East Gippsland neighbours,” he said. “Thanks to McNeil Contracting, we will have a place to store the bales until it is transported.”
The Lions is organising with Heyfield Lions Club drought co-ordinator Ray Akers to ensure that the donated hay will end go to needy farmers.
The Lions Club has already had a number of donations and offers of help roll in, but they are calling on the community to assist.
Anyone wanting to contribute can contact Warragul Lions Club on 0418235346 or via their Facebook page. People with hay to donate can contact McNeil Contracting on 5622 2224.