A six-trailer convoy of trucks carrying much-needed hay to drought-stricken farmers in Broken Hill, NSW, arrived at their destination last week, funded by Australia Post’s Drought Relief Stamp packs that have been sold across the country.
The Rural Aid convoy left South Australia on 30 April as part of a team that over eight weeks has been delivering hay to Scotia, south of Broken Hill, and Tibooburra to the north.
Executive General Manager of Community and Consumer at Australia Post, Nicole Sheffield said every $5 stamp pack sold triggered a $2 donation by Australia Post to Rural Aid, amounting to more than $200,000 for farmers — and approximately 1,000 large bales of hay.
Ms Sheffield was on hand to greet the convoy in Broken Hill.
“Australia Post is a critical part of the Australian community with a large presence in rural and remote Australia and a long history of supporting the Australian community at times of crisis,” Ms Sheffield said.
“We know farmers are doing it tough, and this hay drop is but one way that we’re trying to making it just that little bit easier for them.”
The General Manager of Rural Aid, Wayne Thomson said the hay drop supported by Australia Posr provided more than just help around the farm.
“It’s also the mental impact and the reinforcement that someone cares — they give a damn,” Mr Thomson said.
He said Australia Post had a long-standing presence in the communities and its commitment to helping them when in need should be commended.
