In 2014 Brendan ‘Bumpa’ Farrell heard about a farmer in Bourke (NSW) that was struggling in the drought. He contacted the farmer and offered to bring him a truckload of hay to help him out. From that, the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners was born. Since that date in 2014 they have completed 11 successful hay runs to help drought-affected farmers all over NSW & QLD.
BHR is about mates helping mates in a time of need. Farmers impacted by drought often struggle to ask for help and many due to the financial strain of trying to keep the farm afloat also battle mental health issues.
Brendan and the BHR team know that the hay they deliver will only provide temporary relief but it’s about showing fellow Australian’s that someone cares about them. Brendan is very passionate about awareness and education, the team believe our Aussie Farmers are critical to our future in Australia.
Majority of QLD is currently ‘drought declared’. Drought doesn’t just impact farmers it also has impacts on the local businesses and schools within that community.
All hay is donated from generous farmers all over Australia. The money fundraised and held in the Rotary Club bank account is used to fuel the trucks that transport the donated hay. No one in the Burrumbuttock Hay Run group are paid a wage, everyone is volunteers. This includes all the truck drivers who also donate the use of their trucks & machinery to load and unload the hay.
The last 2 runs which are the biggest to date by far were both to Ilfracombe in QLD. Ilfracombe is a small town in central west Queensland and is approximately 27km East of Longreach.