THE man behind the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners who have been providing a helping hand to drought-stricken Queensland farmers for the last two years has been nominated for Australian of the Year.
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Truckie Brendan Farrell has been nominated for the award won by Rosie Batty, Adam Goodes, Ita Buttrose and Geoffrey Rush in recent years by the organisation representing 18 councils in the southern Riverina.
Mr Farrell has been the driving force behind 11 convoys carrying more than $10 million of donated hay to Queensland communities on their knees due to drought including Longreach.
The Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils (RAMROC) has lodged the nomination ahead of the August deadline and Mr Farrell has to be a state winner before becoming eligible for the national honour announced on Australia Day next year.
“I'm a bit gobsmacked to be honest,” he said.
“I'm sure there are plenty of other people in Australia who deserve the award.
“I'm just a bloke with a truck at the end of the day.
“You are just trying to keep the farmers on the land and let them know someone still gives a s---.”
A facebook page pushing Mr Farrell's case for the Australian of the Year honours has been created and presently has 31,279 likes.
RAMROC acting chairman Kevin Mack said mayors in the areas of Queensland where Mr Farrell and his team have delivered hay would be approached to write letters of support for the nomination.
“If you had an Australian Organisation of the Year, the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners would win it hands down,” Cr Mack said.
“But we don't and we have to choose one person.
“We won't be just canvassing for support in this area alone because his footprint is spread far and wide.
“He is a very humble man, but he is providing a level of support through his crusade to help all Australians who have been affected by drought.
“It is an effort on a national scale and he is demonstrating how the simple things can make a big difference.”
The Burrumbuttock Hay Runners are presently fundraising for another trip north with a series of concerts and other events planned.