Paul's generosity leads to region-wide hay drive

COUNTRY communities are known for helping each other out in times of need, and the Moorabool Shire’s farming sector is certainly stepping up as Victoria recovers from recent bushfires.

Ballan sheep and cattle farmer Paul Dehnert has been something of a catalyst for local landowners helping their fire-affected colleagues, with a personal decision to make a donation of hay growing rapidly to a region-wide effort.

These bales of hay went to Avenel north of Seymour on Wednesday. Photo: DARREN McLEAN

Mr Dehnert said strong hay seasons across the area prompted him to make the initial donation.

After raising the idea with the Ballan group of CFA brigades – there are nine in the group and Mr Dehnert is the group officer – and sharing it on a local Facebook page, the drive quickly gathered pace.

“The response has been overwhelming, actually,” he said. “In the end we just put it in the hands of the VFF (Victorian Farmers Federation).”

The VFF has a register of fire-affected farmers who need hay and distributes donations as they come in through its Emergency Fodder Program.

Donations of various quantities, from a few bales to many more, are being made in the Moorabool district.

A truckload of hay bales ready to leave from Mr Dehnert’s Ballan property. Photo: SUPPLIED

“We’ve been slowly working to put loads together,” Mr Dehnert said.

“It’s just a small thing we can do to help other farmers. After that Friday, when it was that bad day, if a fire started it could have been us.

“It could have been anyone, so you just help out your fellow farmers.”

Landowners from Myrniong to Beremboke, Mt Wallace, Wallace and more have all chipped in – and continue to do so.

Another truckload of hay went from Mr Dehnert’s property to Avenel, north of Seymour, on Wednesday.

Hay bales at Mr Dehnert’s property arranged ready for loading on a truck. Photo: DARREN McLEAN

Mr Dehnert said he expected as many as 400 bales will have been donated by locals by the end of this month.

Fire-affected farmers can register for the VFF’s Emergency Fodder Program on the website at vff.org.au/vff-emergency-fodder-program or by phoning 1300 882 833.

Hay donations can also be registered on the website or phone number to ensure fodder is matched to a farmer in need.

Truck drivers delivering hay can pre-register and be eligible for a government-funded freight rebate.