Hay donations stack up

By Nicole Williams
PAKENHAM Lions Club’s Need for Feed program is helping flooded farmers feed their stock.
Need for Feed co-ordinator from the Pakenham Lions Club Graham Cockerell said the appeal early last month received an immediate response to help flooded farmers in Victoria’s north.
Hundreds of bales of hay were promised within days of the appeal.
Then the floods hit closer to home.
“As if we weren’t busy enough,” Mr Cockerell said.
Undeterred, the Lions Club and generous locals delivered the first load of hay two weeks ago to farmers in the Kerang area.
This has continued with the help from local transport company Abrehart Transport and Paul Geyer Transport.
“Garry Abrehart and Paul Geyer are helping us for next to nothing,” Mr Cockerell said.
“Farmers in the flooded areas are really struggling just to survive. Anything we can do to help is greatly appreciated.”
About 250 small squares of hay have also been delivered to farmers in Pakenham South and Kooweerup since the local floods.
Need for Feed was initially funded by a government subsidy but is now reliant on the generosity of the public, Mr Cockerell said.
To help with a donation, transport costs or purchase feed supplements call Graham Cockerell 0419 744 664 or email lionsneedforfeed@ yahoo.com.au.