As the biggest hay relief effort in the world winds down, Burrumbuttock Hay Runners founder Brendan Farrell has begun looking beyond the current drought.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He hopes the network of Good Samaritan truckies and corporate supporters like BP and Caltex, who have thrown their support behind these convoys, will ensure an ongoing role for the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners in all sorts of emergencies across rural Australia .
" I've got big plans for it , whether it's fire , flood or drought - at the moment drought is the Number One," he said .
He has indicated that Burrumbuttock Hay Runners might consider the very successful and sustainable model developed by Victorian-based charity fencing organisation BlazeAid.
It rose from the ashes of the tragic Black Saturday bushfires in February 2009 and now operates wherever there is a need to help farmers who have lost fencing in natural disasters and adverse weather events .
"Something like that, yeh, would be great - though it will certainly still carry the distinct Burrumbuttock Hay Runners energy and drive," Brendan said.
As for a career in politics, the knockabout truckie with a national profile says it's simply not for him .
"Look I think if you want to be a politician these days, you should go buy a dog - it'll be the last friend you've got - I just don't have time for it , " he said.
He reckons he can be far more effective outside mainstream politics.
"Just look at what we've achieved here in central western Queensland alone ."
As for his next move?
He plans to "come up for air" after this event , assess how it all went and how future convoys might work even better .
"We're all hoping like hell that this long drought breaks soon for the people still badly affected here and elsewhere," he said .
" if necessary we'll be back with more hay - if it will help."
A record 258 prime movers towing over 400 trailers loaded with 13,500 bales of hay trekked 1800km from southern New South Wales, and back, for the 11th and biggest convoy organised under the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners banner.
Hundreds of volunteers swung into action alongside Farrell’s own team as soon as the convoy arrived at the Ilfracombe racecourse late on Friday afternoon to ensure the safe and efficient distribution of the cargo, and worked throughout the weekend
In the meantime, truckies and their families were able to mingle with the graziers they were there to help, hearing their stories.
Local grazier Andrew Cowper, from Merino Downs at Aramac is still feeding 1500 sheep, 28 stud heifers and a couple of bulls .
"Every little bit of hay donated helps,” he said. “Not just for us, but the whole community out here.
"To think there are so many people from across Australia who care enough to do this not just once but twice in our case, is just amazing.
"You say to them, we hope we can do the same for you one day - but then you think, no I don't actually. We don't want to see anyone in the same situation we've been through."
Brendan admits he's possibly become a bit of a lightning rod for issues deeply affecting the small rural communities he's visited while delivering donated hay over the past two years .
"Hopefully we are showing these people that you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it , and also if you get enough of them to put their hands up and help those who need it," he said .
