March 31, 2016
The South Burnett contingent of the Burrumbuttock Hay Run made it safely into Muckadilla on Wednesday night, their first stopover on their journey of hope to western Queensland.
Earlier in the day, the seven roadtrains and a string of support vehicles were farewelled at Wondai by wellwishers waving flags and snapping photos as they did a loop of the roundabout, escorted by police vehicles.
There was also a warm welcome at the Durong South General Store where a barbecue lunch awaited.
The convoy of vehicles heads on to Wyandra on Thursday where they will meet up with truck convoys from NSW and other parts of Queensland.
The final convoy is expected to consist of 260 prime movers and 400 trailers. It will roll into Ilfracombe on Friday.
The South Burnett convoy has been organised by Wondai transport operator Paul Gleich.
It is loaded with a total of about 1500 round and square bales of hay, as well as bags of dog food donated by local businesses; workwear, donated by Pat and Alan Eagleson from Mon-Dee Coffee 2 Go; and “bags of basics” for families.
Paul, his wife Gina and children, and sister-in-law Kristy Frahm, are all on board the run.
Kristy told southburnett.com.au Paul had been run off his feet over the past few days bringing the hay run together.
Farmers have been delivering hay to the Gleich Transport depot near Wondai over the past few weeks.
Truck loading began this week, but last-minute adjustments to loads were still being made 30 minutes before the convoy headed off up the Bunya Highway to Wondai.
Paul said all the hay had been donated by farmers from all over the South Burnett … Kumbia, Nanango, Goomeri, Stonelands, Proston and “everywhere”.
“I want to thank all the farmers that donated hay, Norco, Riverina, Goldmix, BGA AgriServices and everyone else that I have forgotten to thank!” he said.
Also accompanying the run are Gina Oberle and Tyrone Murray, from oriGINAl hair by GINA at Murgon, who will be offering haircuts to families in western Queensland.
Unloading and distribution of the hay will begin in Ilfracombe on Friday afternoon and will continue over the weekend.
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- South Burnett Helps To Pay It Forward
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