In a show of rural solidarity, 14 trucks loaded with hay, calf pallets and dog food rolled out of Orbost last Friday morning, bound for drought-affected farms in western Victoria.
The convoy – the result of a grassroots effort spearheaded by local farmers – delivered crucial relief to communities around Hamilton and surrounding districts.
The initiative began as a simple conversation between two farming families – Jart and Jules Henderson, and Doc and Kellie Nettleton – who felt compelled to give back.
In the wake of the Black Summer Bushfires, support had poured into East Gippsland from across Victoria.
Now, these farmers felt it was time to return the favour.
“It has been an overwhelming response from farmers, the ones that gave have been so generous,” Jart Henderson said.
Doc Nettleton echoed the sentiment: “To the farmers in the Western District who are receiving the fodder, we hope this makes your stock and yourselves feel better and to know you’re not alone. Our community is thinking of you.”
Over the course of three weeks, Doc put the call out on Facebook, and the response was immediate and humbling.
Contributions came not only from Orbost but also from surrounding communities like Gelantipy, Buchan, and Wairewa. Donations ranged from a few bales of hay to entire truckloads, and more than $36,000 in value was raised through goods and contributions.
Raymond Akers from the Aussie Hay Runners (Heyfield Lions Club) coordinated the logistics of the 14-truck convoy, ensuring smooth transport from Orbost to Hamilton.
Support for the effort extended beyond the paddock – Ag Warehouse donated dog food for the convoy, Orbost Club Hotel provided meals for all truck drivers, Robinsons Buslines, with driver Jason Griebenow, offered a courtesy bus to ferry drivers to and from the pub, Flat Bickie provided breakfast for the drivers Friday morning and AJ from Farm Forest Drone captured drone footage of the convoy’s departure.
Local police also played their part, providing a road escort to ensure a safe and coordinated departure.
Jules Henderson described the response from the recipients as deeply moving: “The reception we received was overwhelming and heartfelt,” she said.
“All the recipients wanted to know was who were these kind and caring farmers from Orbost and surrounding areas who donated hay and silage from their own supplies to send all the way over here.”
As the drought continues to impact western Victoria, efforts like these serve as a powerful reminder of the deep bonds and resilience within the farming community – and that in times of hardship, country people never forget to look after one another.
