Supporting Victorian bushfire and drought relief

The drought and fire relief efforts continue in Gippsland, Victoria, with hay bale donations delivered via truck convoy to help farmers affected by the state’s recent bushfires.

C3 Australia drivers, Stuart Clark and Peter Keem, volunteered to drive 1,500 bales of hay from Portland to Bairnsdale along with 29 other local truck drivers.

The convoy arrived to a police escort and was warmly received by the local community.

C3 Australia’s Green Triangle Forestry Operations Manager, Hayley Elkington, said it was an emotional journey for our people who alone, delivered 220 hay bales.

“For the many volunteers who gladly gave up their weekend to be part of such an important initiative, it was pleasing to see it come together so well and very humbling at the same time,” Hayley said.

“Seeing the reaction of people in these areas laid to waste by fire and drought and their appreciation upon arrival of the hay was an experience that will stay with us.”

Stuart Clark was honoured to donate his time, also with his son Dale, to be part of such an impressive display of community spirit.

“There were more donors than we could have hoped for and we had to get more trucks with all the hay we ended up with from local businesses,” Stuart said.

“We were ecstatic with how the whole event went and I was very proud to be part of it.”

Hayley acknowledges the important role her business, and the wider LINX Cargo Care Group, can play to contribute to local disaster relief efforts.

“It’s a focus for our Group to help where we can and contribute to those communities where we operate, when they are in need during challenging times,” Hayley said.