THE Lions Club welcomed the Aussie Hay Runners to town on Friday, 26 June, providing fresh homemade sandwiches, cake and cold drinks for the volunteer convoy as it continued its journey delivering much-needed hay to drought and disaster-affected farmers.
Club president Judy Dixon said the Lions Club has welcomed the Aussie Hay Runners for the past four years.
“In previous stop-overs, we’ve had between 60 and 70 trucks come through,” Ms Dixon said.
Aussie Hay Runners complete an average of 8 to 10 disaster convoy runs per year.
Aussie Hay Runners organiser Linda Widdup, who has coordinated the runs for the past seven years and has spent 40 years behind the wheel of a truck.
“It’s just the happiest town we come through,” she said.
Ms Widdup said she continued to volunteer simply because she loved being involved and knew how much the support meant to struggling farming families.
“I do it because I just love doing it, and the farmers need it,” she said.
The convoy included drivers aged from 32 to 74.
While the trucking industry continues to be male dominated, two women were among the volunteer drivers making the journey.
Henry, the oldest driver in the convoy, has been volunteering with the Aussie Hay Runners for the past six years. He said his motivation came from personal experience.
“I’ve previously lost everything, and we had someone there for us,” he said.
“I wanted to give back, and I love hearing and sharing stories. Sometimes just knowing someone is there is comfort in itself.”
Fellow driver Jake said supporting Australian farmers was his reason for volunteering.
“Without farmers, we don’t eat,” he said.
“Being in the farming industry myself, nobody should have to go through hardship alone.”
The convoy departed Swan Marsh, Victoria, on Thursday with 28 trucks but arrived in Bulahdelah with 26 after two vehicles suffered mechanical breakdowns.
Despite the setbacks, the convoy was still transporting more than 520 tonnes of hay, destined for farmers continuing to recover from floods, bushfires and other natural disasters.
Ms Widdup said it wasn’t just trucks making the journey.
“We even have utes towing trailers loaded with hay travelling with us,” she said.
After leaving Bulahdelah, the convoy travelled to Coopernook for a special dinner before visiting Taree and communities west of Taree on Saturday to deliver the vital fodder.
The volunteers expected to return home to Victoria by Sunday evening.
All of the drivers donated their time, trucks and expertise to support farming families in need.
Fuel costs were subsidised by the Rural Relief Association, while the hay was either donated or purchased using funds raised through community support.
The Aussie Hay Runners continue to rely on volunteers, community donations and fundraising to deliver practical assistance and hope to farming families across Australia.
To follow the convoy or support future hay runs, visit the Aussie Hay Runners Facebook page.
By Tracey BENNETT
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