Community backs farmers after mass livestock loss
When the fires started to flare up, Colin Brown began loading hay bales into his truck.
The Gippsland resident lives a long way from the devastation of Victoria’s ongoing bushfire crisis, but he already had a plan to help.
He is one of many farmers who have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stock, traveling from far and wide to provide aid to their comrades in distress.
But it’s not just the financial cost that’s devastating, it’s also the pain felt when stocks die in fires.
“The biggest thing is the community and the farmers,” Mr Brown told AAP.
“Basically, animals need food fast. Animals are the backbone of Australia.”
One farmer told AAP that the fire had destroyed at least 1,000 of his father’s animals, including dozens of lambs ready to be sent to the pen next week.
The lambs lay completely burned in front of their property.
Ruffy CFA Captain George Noye said approximately 150,000 hectares of land were burned in the Longwood fire, causing mass livestock loss.
He is working with some locals to euthanize at least 600 sheep that survived the fire but were seriously injured.
Farmers say they are waiting for Agriculture Victoria to come to town to help treat injured animals that are suffering.
“The longer we leave these animals on pasture, the more complicated it will become,” Mr. Noye adds.
“And there are animals still alive, it’s inhumane.”
The community came out in droves on Sunday to fill the parched pasture with bales of hay, and more donations were dropped off at the local town hall.
Trina Dudley set out from Echuca with a hay trailer.
He added that the donation was about community spirit, telling AAP it was important to support each other in difficult times.
“Volunteers and firefighters did a really good job saving homes and animals,” says Ms Dudley.
“I know they wouldn’t be there without help.”
Fifth-generation farmer Colleen Furlanetto says it’s a heartwarming gesture.
Farming businesses Elders, Rodwells and Nutrien Ag organized the hay bale collection, which was managed on the ground by Ms Furlanetto.
“I’ve had farmers who lost their homes and came here to feed their animals,” Ms Furlanetto told AAP.
“Farmers love their animals, and what they have to do with their animals is heartbreaking beyond relief.”
He said for many farmers, donations will help bring life back to the community.
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
