Bourke: 9am Sunday
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The Burrumbuttock Hay Runners heroes are starting to make preparations for the long trek home with empty trailers and full hearts after a night of celebration at Quilpie racecourse.
Earlier on Saturday Border Mail reporter Jodie O’Sullivan joined first-time runner Jim Parrett, from Jindera, for an on-farm delivery of hay 240 kilometres south-west of Quilpie.
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A beaming Shane Warner, of Merimo Station at Eulo, welcomed the drop-off of 34 round bales, which he says will keep his breeding cows and weaners going for a week.
It might not sound like a long time but for a farmer who has been battling drought on his 330,000-acre holding for the past seven years, it’s a welcome reprieve from the daily strain of keeping stock alive – and desperately trying to source hay.
“It’s humbling to have somebody go to this effort for us,” Shane marvelled as Jim unloaded dog food, toys, tennis rackets and men’s and women’s gift bags along with the precious hay.
“This is unbelievable – he’s (Jim) like Santa Claus.
“My dogs won’t know what hit ‘em with this canned food,” he added with a chuckle.
“Everything helps – it’s just amazing that people have been so generous with their time, labour and produce.”
Shane, who previously ran 2500 breeding cows with his wife Peta, said this was now officially their worst drought.
“It’s getting tougher,” he admits.
“This hay, well … to know someone else is looking after you. It’s worth more to your mental stability than anything.”
Jim kindly volunteered to forego the Australia Day celebrations back at Quilpie to start the long trek home in the truck with Border Mail reporter Jodie O’Sullivan on board.
After a stopover at Bourke, the pair was up at dawn to hit the road and try to beat the relentless heat.
Dead and starving kangaroos lined the roadside between Bourke and Cobar – a harsh reminder of the crippling extent of this drought.
STILL TO COME: Read more about the day-to-day battle with drought at Merimo Station, Eulo and the resilience of the people who call it home.
Follow Jodie and Howie’s journey live on Facebook.
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