Family hay goes to fire victims

By Elizabeth Lillis
A PAKENHAM Upper family has given all the hay it has cut for the year to farmers who have been burnt out in the East Gippsland region.
Paul and Ann Abbott decided to donate 51 bales of hay to the drive being coordinated through Lions Clubs in the region after reading about the appeal in last week’s Gazette.
Mr Abbott said this family usually gave away its hay locally but after seeing the appeal wanted to help those affected by the recent fires.
“We were deciding what to do with the hay when we read about the appeal, I was around during the Ash Wednesday fires and remember what it was like,” he said.
Mr Abbott said he usually got about 100 bales off his property but this year because of drought had managed only 51 bales.
He will truck the hay to Toongabbie on Saturday and has room for more bales.
“I’m grateful to Peter Dorning for cutting the hay and to Craig Scholer who will help me cart it on Saturday,” Mr Abbott said.
Berwick Lions Club first vicepresident Graeme Cockram, who is coordinating the relief effort from the Pakenham area, said offers of cash and hay were dribbling in.
“Any money will be forwarded to Lions Clubs in the fire affected areas to be used for hampers for burnt out families,” he said.
Cheques can be made out to Lions District 201V3 fire appeal.
Mr Cockram said a $200 donation had been received from a local woman and some more land had been made available to cut for hay.
Some large rolled bales had been made available but he said he was having difficulty in carting these.
“We would really do with some assistance from a hay contractor to collect these and get them on the truck.”
Mr Cockram said a hay collection was being organised this Saturday morning from 10am until 1pm at the Officer weighbridge.
“We realise it is a dry year and people may not want to donate but if everyone gave a bale or two it all helps,” he said.
At least one truck will be waiting there to take hay to Toongabbie where Lions Clubs from the Wellington district will distribute it to those most in need.