FIFTEEN more families have something to smile about after Ausgrid and Rural Aid delivered their latest hay donation, with the regional community of Gungal recently seeing the trucks roll in.
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Two semi-trailers delivered the much-needed goods last Monday, much to the jubilation of the recipients who have had a rough time over the past few years.
Upper Hunter property owner and farmer Ivan Pillay said he felt quite emotional as the hay arrived, and spoke briefly about the perils he’s faced in recent times.
“It was great,” he said.
“We were told there would be 15 other farmers receiving the hay, so I was sort of overwhelmed by it all.
“And, I would say that there are probably quite a few happy people out there.
“I’ve been in the cattle game for quite a while now.
“But, in the last two years, I have not made anything off of cattle, I’ve had to spend money feeding them.
“It’s great [on Monday]; the driveway was chokkas full of neighbours and people waiting to pick up their hay – it was a terrific feeling.”
This is the fifth delivery Ausgrid has made to the region.
And, Mr Pillay was also keen to thank them and Buy a Bale for everything they’ve done.
Although there have been storms rolling through the area more frequently in the past few months, he said people were still doing it very tough and help was always welcome.
“If this drought does continue then we’ll be happy to see more assistance,” Mr Pillay added.
Ausgrid CEO Richard Gross said the company would continue its support of farmers hit hard by the current dry conditions.
“We delivered two truckloads of feed to Gungal in the region this week – and 15 families shared in it,” he explained.
“Many of them have destocked to a handful of their core breeding herds, ready for when the drought breaks.
“We’re proud to be supporting Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale program and our people are also supporting an employee campaign.
“We are matching their donations dollar-for-dollar.”