Wednesday, February 5, marked the 10th anniversary of the Gippsland Helimed Charity Wool Auction.
Three bales of wool comprised of fleeces donated to the Omeo Show were sold at the Melbourne National Selling Centre to a total of $10,814 which were donated directly to the HEMS 2 Victorian Air Ambulance. Combined with the previous years of auction proceeds this brought the total donated to Helimed to $125,404.
Prior to the days normal selling arrangements the three bales of wool were auctioned off by Elders district wool manager, Madi Gallagher. The first bale tested 17 micron, 93mm in length and 50n/kt in strength. This bale was bought by Lou Morsch from Modiano Australia Pty Ltd for 2600c/kg.
Modiano have been strong supporters of the charity bales over the previous years, Elders and the Gippsland wool growers are grateful for their generous donations.
The second bale to sell tested 17.9 micron, 114mm in length and 45n/kt in strength. This bale was purchased by Mark Fayle from Endeavour Wool Exports for 2550c/kg. Endeavour have also been great supporters of the helimed charity having also purchased a bale previous years.
The final bale tested 18.1micron, 109mm in length and 37n/kt and was purchased by Chris Kelly from Australian Merino Exports. The aforementioned wool buyers are all family-owned businesses and have been avid supporters of the Helimed charity over the years.
After the sale those along for the day were treated to a tour of Elders Ravenhall Wool Handling facility, witnessing automated guided vehicles (AGV’s), induction machines and corelines used for wool sampling prior to being sent to the laboratory for testing.
This facility is able to move wool 24 hours per day with driverless forklifts requiring only one hour for charging daily before continuing to move bales around the store. In the first 12 months of the store functioning 250,000 bales have been processed, this is expected to increase to 300,000 in the coming year.
Representatives from the Meerlieu and District Community Group, Anita Hallet, Susan Exley and Lynn and David Yates were in attendance.
“The day was extremely interesting and most enjoyable,” Lynn Yates said.
“It was fascinating to see the Elders Wool Handling Facility and watch the robotic forklifts at work, many thanks to the wool buyers for showing such generosity for a very worthy cause.”
The Meerlieu Community Group announced it would be donating $1000 towards the aforementioned wool proceeds going towards helimed.
Further adding to the total funds raised, president of the Stratford Lions Club, Lindsay Ross, set forth that the club will be donating a further $2500 towards the charity.
This is the third consecutive year Stratford Lions Club has made a major contribution to the Gippsland Helimed Charity bringing their total contribution to a very generous $6500.
Mr Ross expressed “as a club we see this service as a critical service for our community and so we are really pleased we can make this contribution”.
The day was a huge success and Elders Bairnsdale looks forward to facilitating the donation in future.
If any wool growers are interested in supporting this important cause, Elders encourages them to enter a fleece into the Omeo Show and enjoy a weekend in the Victoria High Country.
For more information on donating you can contact Elders Gippsland District Wool Manager, Madi Gallagher.
