It has been one of the good news stories of the past few years.
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When the impression seems to be that so much is going wrong in the world – 2016 certainly got a bad wrap – one Border initiative shows there is also a lot of good.
The Burrumbuttock Hay Runners’ regular convoys – the latest is number 12 – to drought-stricken farmers in Queensland have been an outstanding success.
And that was from the very start back in 2014, thanks in no small part to its organiser, Brendan Farrell, but of course also due to the enormous, selfless support of farmers across the Border region.
To provide an idea of just how the assistance provided by the hay run has captured people’s imagination, 250 trucks were involved in a convoy that headed north in April last year. That resulted in a massive 13,000 hay bales being delivered to 600 drought-stricken farmers.
The good news though spread far wider – on one run hundreds of bunches of roses were delivered to farmers’ wives, while there was also a pop-up health check.
And the convoys are certainly greatly appreciated – one was greeted by locals cheering by the side of the road.
It certainly appears there will no be slow-down in the event’s momentum.
The next convoy has more than 120 trucks, involved in what is a three-day trip to Muttaburra.
Despite the significant support of the past, Mr Farrell continues to be taken aback by the spirit of generosity imbued in the cause.
To illustrate that he pointed out how the last-minute loss of catering for the stop at Cobar was quickly filled by the local pony club. As he says: “This is what it’s all about – small communities helping other people.”
Another is the example set by Wodonga transport operator Terry Walker.
He took the generous step of donating one of his rigs for the convoy.
And that move is motivated by the simple desire to help Queensland farmers devastated by the big dry. “If people from across this region and beyond are good enough to donate hay, then it’s no issue to provide a vehicle to carry it.”
Mr Farrell is spot-on when he says the hay run embraces the very best of what it means to be Australian.
Everyone who continues to make this such a tremendous event with outcomes that make a real difference deserves the whole community’s thanks and congratulations.