Berwick Lions president David Irons, Paul Abbott of Pakenham Upper, Trevor
By Elizabeth Lillis
A SECOND truckload of hay for fireaffected farmers left for Toongabbie on Saturday.
Lions Club of Berwick president David Irons was overwhelmed by the generosity of Shire of Cardinia residents on Saturday when he inspected the second load of hay to be sent from the area to beleaguered farmers in the Gippsland bushfire areas.
“In particular I would like to acknowledge the Cockerell, Dunstan, Lowson, Medwin, Myers and Wilson families of Upper Beaconsfield, Jeanette Smythe of Beaconsfield, Stan and Doug Hamilton and the Abbott family and friends of Pakenham Upper, all of whom provided hay, labour, transport or money,” he said.
The second load was coordinated by Lions first vicepresident Graham Cockerell.
Mr Irons said he wanted to challenge City of Casey residents to get involved in supporting the cause.
‘There are people still on holidays but the fires are not,” he said. “With our own fire season and the anniversary of Ash Wednesday still to come we would be happy to see a response from our neighbouring shires,” Mr Irons said.
Cardinia mayor Kate Lempriere has been encouraging of the efforts and has written to local politicians encouraging support in neighbouring shires.
Paul Abbott, of Pakenham Upper, who drove the load of 50 bales and two rounds to Toongabbie with his mate Craig Scholer said the farmers who received the hay were appreciative of the assistance.
“It doesn’t take much to help,” he said.
“The grass and fences were all burnt out,” he said.
Mr Abbott said the load was only a small proportion of what the farmers needed.
“They need more, it is a natural disaster area,” he said.
Any offers of hay, food or cash can be directed to Graham Cockerell on 5944 4111 or 0419 744 664. Cheques can be made payable to Lions District 201 V3 Fire Appeal.
