Caltex and Vinnies back hay-run truckies

The fuel giant and a major charity have donated thousands of dollars-worth of diesel to help truckies delivering hay to draught-stricken NSW farmers

Petroleum brand Caltex and charity St Vincent de Paul have thrown their support behind a benevolent band of truckies who are helping to deliver hay to drought-affected cattle farmers through the north-west of New South Wales.

St Vincent de Paul has provided $12,500 in fuel vouchers while Caltex has chipped in $10,000-worth of StarCash vouchers, which will assist Riverina-based truck driver Brendan Farrell and his colleagues as they distribute the hay struggling farmers.

Mr Farrell said the recent donations were a welcome helping hand.

"Local towns and communities right across Australia have been pitching in to help cover some of the operational costs, including the fuel bill," he said.

"We're doing this off our own backs – it's just me and 50 of my mates who drive trucks for a living – so these donations of diesel are a big boost."

Under the banner of the 'Burrumbuttock to Bourke hay run', Mr Farrell and his team have successfully completed three drives to deliver the hay so far, and are now in the process of planning a fourth. The most recent convoy, conducted on April 4, involved 52 prime movers and 78 trailers, with 16 road trains making the trek over from Western Australia.

Mr Farrell says the next run will see 21 truckloads of hay hauled around 600km from Darlington Point, near Griffith, to draught-ravaged farms in Brewarrina, Weilmoringle and Lightning Ridge.

The three previous runs have seen hay to the value of $2.5 million – donated by generous farmers in southern New South Wales and northern Victoria – successfully distributed to around 700 farms across New South Wales.

Mr Farrell said that while the latest run has been postponed due to bad weather, it would take consistent rainfall to break the draught's grip.

"Any rain in these areas is excellent but the drought isn't over – not by any stretch of the imagination," he said.

"It will take much more than one rainfall event to turn things around for farmers – they still need our help and will for some time yet."

Phil Amos, National Manager Business to Business Sales for Caltex, said the firm was happy to be backing such a worthy cause.

"Australia's agricultural sector is the lifeblood of the country – this is an excellent initiative that we are pleased to be able to support," he said.

"This special delivery provides farmers both with some practical support and a clear message that they are not in this alone."

While the recent fuel donations will certainly help, Mr Farrell and his team still require ongoing assistance to continue their work.

Donations can be made through the Rotary Club of Sydney, with payments to be made to the following account:

BSB: 062 438

ACC: 10211156

Description: Drought Appeal

Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to "The Rotary Club of Sydney Drought Appeal" and sent to Rotary Club of Sydney, GPO Box 1523, Sydney NSW 2001.

For more information on Mr Farrell's hay runs click here to visit the 'Burrumbuttock to Bourke hay run' Facebook page.

Caltex and Vinnies back hay-run truckies

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