BLACK Saturday bushfire survivor Alvio Trovatello knows only too well the value of emergency rescue services.
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He was quick to get out his cheque book and pay $5000 for a Here-ford heifer auctioned in Wodonga yesterday to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Part of the Trovatello’s family property and Glendan Park Hereford stud at Kyneton was burnt out in the 2009 bushfires.
The heifer auction was instigated by Here-fords Australia chief executive officer John McKew and held as a precursor to this year’s National Hereford Show and Sale.
The 10-month-old heifer, Centennial Oyster Girl J046, was donated by Holbrook Hereford breeder Paul Rogers.
Two years ago, Mr Rogers was flown to a Newcastle hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service after an on-farm accident.
Mr Travatello wanted to support the worthwhile cause after hearing Mr Roger’s story and others from the rescue service personnel.
“My daughers Alicia and Caitlin are also keen on cattle so they can lead the heifer at the junior heifer shows,’’ he said.
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service general manager Richard Jones said the money raised from the auction would help with the service’s operational expenses.
The service has four helicopters based in Newcastle and Tamworth and they were called upon for a variety of circumstances.