Crucial supplies: More than 1,100 bales of hay were donated to farmers from the local area who have been impacted by flooding. Photo: Bransen Gibson
Farmers from across the region have received much needed assistance, with truckloads of crucial supplies brought into Rochester as part of a Farmers Community Connect event last week.
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A total of 1,150 bales of hay and 320 bags of ryegrass seed arrived at Rochester Recreation Reserve on a convoy of trucks last Wednesday, December 14, with 92 farmers collecting the essential provisions the following day.
The supplies are a Christmas present come early for farmers, many of whom are still feeling the impact from the devastating floods that swept across the region in October.
Hay and seed were not the only things people were able to pick up on Thursday, with free food and drink also provided.
Burgers, barista coffee, soft drink, water and even Krispy Kreme doughnuts were all on the menu on Thursday, with appreciative residents tucking in.
Welcome sight: Trucks carrying bales of hay roll into Rochester last week. Photo: Bransen Gibson
Photo by
Bransen Gibson
Support services were also at the event, with representatives from Services Australia, the National Centre for Farmer Health and Rural Aid all in Rochester.
The event was organised by the Rapid Relief Team, a charity made up of volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.
The 30 volunteers came from far and wide to help in Rochester. Some were from nearby towns like Nathalia and Shepparton, while others travelled from as far away Goulburn, Sydney and Brisbane.
RRT Operations Manager Mick Dunn was in Rochester, and said the event was a chance to give back to farmers.
“Farmers have done it tough over the past few years as they’ve battled through a long-standing drought, bushfires and now to the other end of the extreme, floods,” Mr Dunn said.
“We know that it can take some time to fully recover from the effects of these disasters, so that’s why we’re not only providing financial support, but emotional support by offering a feel-good day out for the farmers to enjoy with a free BBQ lunch, coffee and the opportunity to connect with local support services and their mates.
“Times like these really demonstrate the importance of staying connected. We’ve found in these shared, friendly community environments farmers feel more comfortable to talk to different providers of support services or learn about some of the offer on hand.”
Community spirit: A van from Major’s IGA Rochester drops off food and drinks at the Farmers Community Connect event in Rochester last week. Photo: Geoff Adams
The hay was purchased from farms in Korong Vale before being brought to Rochester, while food and drink supplies were bought from Majors IGA Rochester.
Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Rob Amos was also at Rochester Recreation Reserve, alongside fellow councillors Paul Jarman and Colleen Gates.
“I think it is a really valuable day,” Cr Amos said. “Farmers are often the last ones to ask for help.
“The idea today is not only about giving hay away, put it is about coming in for a chat ... I think that is a really important part of the day.”
Flood relief: Cr Paul Jarman, RRT director Lester Sharples, Campaspe Shire Council community development officer Lachlan Cozens, Cr Colleen Gates, Cr Rob Amos, RRT director Ron Arkcoll and RRT volunteer Brenton Pederick at the Farmers Community Connect event in Rochester last week. Photo: Bransen Gibson
