FARMERS across the region are banding together to help those who lost stock and land in the devastating Sir Ivan fire in the Central West last weekend.
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Almost 55,000 hectares of land was reduced to ash when an out-of-control bush fire tore through properties around the Dunedoo, Leadville, Turill, Cassilis and Coolah districts, destroying at least 30 homes and 104 outbuildings.
On top of that, a huge amount of stock was lost. And what little did survive, may have to be put down.
But producers in the North West are doing their bit by donating truckloads of fodder to fire victims to help feed what remains of their stock. Goonoo Red Angus stud producer Graeme Jordan wanted to donate a truckload of hay to those affected, so contacted Tamworth-based business Hazells Farm and Fertilizers.
Hazells put a call out via its Facebook page on Monday night for other local farmers to also donate, and the response has been overwhelming.
“We put it up on our Facebook page and had an unbelievable result,” Hazells general manager Kelly Mackney said.
“It’s amazing how quickly people can help out others.
“So far, we’ve had 450 small bales, 40 big squares and 24 big rounds, and a bunch of bags of stock feed.
But those figures are only likely to grow. Tongues Transport, Careys Freight Lines and Parry Logistics have already donated trucks to transport the hay, while Lowes Petroleum have donated some fuel vouchers.
The campaign has garnered so much attention that organisers now need more trucks to help deliver the growing amount of donations.
To assist with transport or donations, contact Hazells.
The hay will be transported to Dunedoo next Thursday, where it will be distributed by a dedicated team.