July 9, 2014
With the cold weather biting, it could be easy to forget the South Burnett is still gripped with drought, but thank goodness there are some very good people in both the city and country who haven’t forgotten …
One of the organisations that has been lending a hand to local farmers is Buy A Bale, a project of the Uniting Church’s Frontier Services.
Buy A Bale has been encouraging cityfolk to “buy a bale” of hay for drought-stricken farmers in Queensland and NSW.
So far at least five roadtrains have come to the South Burnett to deliver hay, with distributions at Booubyjan, Byee, Tansey, Mondure and Redgate.
Kerry and Robert Baldwin, from Charlestown near Wondai, are enthusiastic supporters of the Buy A Bale project and hope to raise awareness about it to both local residents who may be able to make donations, and to farmers who could receive assistance.
Kerry and Robert both helped with the successful Eat Dirt Drought project, which was co-ordinated out of the Murgon Baptist Church.
They met some of the Buy A Bale volunteers when they joined forces with Eat Dirt Drought to help farmers at Windorah.
When the drought started to bite harder locally, Buy A Bale turned its attention to the South Burnett.
Kerry said she can see the positive affect the deliveries have on local farmers.
“They just relax because they can see tomorrow,” Kerry said.
However she is concerned that some people who need help could be missing out because they either don’t know about the program, or could be worried about registering online.
“We have registered a lot of farmers from Tansey, Redgate and Byee. Some of them were too old for computers,” she said.
The farmers don’t receive a huge amount of hay – not enough to see them through to spring – but enough to raise their spirits.
“I have the greatest respect for our farmers,” she said. ” “They are very positive, it’s very uplifting to see. They are very cautious with the hay.”
Kerry said she was particularly concerned for local cattle studs.
“They have spent years developing high quality genetics. They particularly need to keep their core breeding stock as they will form an important part of the industry’s recovery,” she said.
“And despite everything they are still sending out good quality cattle.”
Kerry said people in the South Burnett had been fantastic with a lot of things going on “quietly” behind the scenes, including donations of groceries and the distribution of shoe boxes full of non-perishable “essentials”.
But she hoped people would continue to be generous.
“It’s much better to be able to do something rather than sit wringing your hands on the sidelines,” she said.
Kerry has a simple message to local residents:
“Farmers – If you know you require assistance, go online at www.buyabale.com.au to register or phone 1300-448-322.
“Townsfolk – If you, your business or organisation, can sponsor a fund-raising event or support Buy a Bale – or any other drought relief organisation – in any way, please contact them!”
- Donations can also be made online
[UPDATED]
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Blessings – a poem by Kerry Baldwin
| Small miracles occurred today Beside a country road; But those who passed could only see A semi, stripped of its load By a busy tractor, trundling round With giant bales of hay To waiting farm trucks, trailered utes; Once loaded; they went on their way. |
Small miracles … and quiet, too;
No fanfare or display
But in smiling eyes and in grateful hearts,
Giving thanks for the gift – of hay.
Blessings! Town and city folk,
And all, across this land,
Who’ve ‘dug down deep’…
Who’ve ‘shared the load’…
‘Stepped up, to lend a hand’ …
You’ve ‘gone the extra mile’, and more,
All you, who’ve ‘bridged the gap’
From city lights to the dusty roads
And those weary towns Outback
Where drought-stressed farmers watch the trucks
Come rolling in with hay;
Where eyes light up and spirits rise –
The stock will be fed today!An anxious murmur: “What’s the cost?”
“What happens with the freight?”
The ready answer: “Don’t you sweat!
It’s all been paid for, mate!”
Then expert eyes survey the bales,
Spot ‘buffel’, ‘rhodes’ and ‘pea’ …
And nodding heads confirm, “Good stuff!”
“Thanks, mate! That’ll sure help me!
“Tonight, when the cattle settle down,
Contented and well-fed,
That farmer will rest easier –
For hay is in the shed.
And not just hay, but … purpose … hope…
A light in the gloom of fear …
That whisper of encouragement …
“You’re not alone … we’re here.”
Blessings, too, on ‘Buy a Bale’-
Its small, hard-working crew;
Suppliers, drivers … all who help
Make miracles come true!
Australians all, be thankful
For the food before you spread;
And for those who toil,
Through flood and drought,
To keep Australia fed!
