Merriwa-Sir Ivan Bushfire appeal up and running
Cattle and smoke near the Sir Ivan fire. Photo: Dean Sewell
Farmers battle a fire that started with a lightning strike west of Cassilis. Photo: Nick Moir
Cattle escape a grass fire burning towards Wollar. Photo: Wolter Peeters
NSW RFS crew members from Cumberland Strike Team take a well earned rest after a long day of fighting a large grass fire burning towards Wollar. Photo: Wolter Peeters.
Photo: Carolyn Healey
Rare pyrocumulus dry lighning strikes - captured coming from the Sir Ivan bush fire. Photos: Carolyn Healey
Livestock being relocated from near Coolah as smoke from the Sir Ivan fire east of Dunedoo, seen in the background, on Sunday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Photo: Susan Nadalini
Photo: Casey Carpenter
Tracey Coulson - Green (Ulan Road)
Flying over the Sir Ivan fire. Photo: NSW RFS
Tracey Coulson - Green (Ulan Road)
By lunchtime on Wednesday the Merriwa-Sir Ivan Bushfire Appeal will have purchased more than 20 head of cattle, to be fed at Alexander Downs, with all monies raised going to assist the victims of last weekend's devastating bushfire.
One of the Appeal’s organisers Alexander Down’s principal Robert Gill bought 13 head at Scone on Tuesday and had another five from Singleton today with more expected to be purchased and delivered to his Merriwa district feedlot this week.
“We have been overwhelmed by the community support we have received since we started the Appeal on Monday after a few of us got together on Sunday night to see how best to support those affected by this bushfire which has devastated properties and villages around Cassilis and Coolah,” he said.
“With each passing day we are hearing more terrible stories from those affected its simply heartbreaking. And its not over yet with fires still active and a poor weather forecast for Friday and Saturday.”
The Appeal was given a kick start by the NSW Farmers who donated $5000 into the account which will be run by the organisation through a registered relief fund.
Cattle can either be donated or monies donated to buy cattle which will be fed for 80 days and then processed.
“I can’t impress enough on the public that 100 per cent of the money we receive for those finished cattle will head straight back to the bushfire victims, “ said Mr Gill.
“We hope to lift their spirits and provide some hope – so they know everyone cares and wants them to get through this ordeal.”
One thing has greatly disappointed Mr Gill it is the total lack of contact from local politicians.
“We have heard nothing from them – no offer of support or assistance to get this Appeal organised and underway,” says Mr Gill.
Association President, Derek Schoen, said NSW Farmers was keeping a close eye on the communities impacted by the devastating bushfires.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Cattle producer Sandra Watling, Goorangoola with Robert Gill, Alexander Downs with five heifers purchased through Roger Fuller Pty Ltd at Singleton saleyards. The Charolais cross heifers bred by the Watling family averaged 297kg liveweight and are among the first batch of cattle to be part of the Merriwa-Sir Ivan Bushfire Appeal.
“We’ve seen a lot of livestock destroyed and more than 100 properties damaged or partially damaged as a result of these bushfires.
“We want the local farming community to know it has our full support. Not just now but in the coming weeks, months and years ahead.”
For those wanting to donate cattle please contact:
Pat Ryan: 65485090 mob: 0428485090
Robert Gill: 0418635237 or Alexander Downs 6548 5170
Tony Inder: 65485100 mob: .0427485100
Bank details:
Account Name: NSW Farmers’ Association Natural Disaster Relief Fund
BSB: 082-057
Account number: 18-215-7040
Bank: NAB
For anyone wishing to donate hay Robyn and Graham Crow from Singleton are organising a ‘hay run’ in coming weeks.Contact: Robyn Crowe: 0488 495383 or Graham Crow: 0412495383
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The story Merriwa-Sir Ivan Bushfire appeal up and running first appeared on The Singleton Argus.
