IT WAS the rare sight of a tough as nails fifth-generation farmer with tears streaming down his face.
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And it was enough for Raymond Terrace truckie Mark Hemmings to turn to his mates on Valentine’s Day and say, “We’ve got to do something”.
Do something they did.
The big-hearted truckie, and more than 20 like him, will drive to fire-ravaged towns around Dunedoo to deliver relief in the form of much-needed fencing, feed, irrigation and tools.
“They’ve lost everything,” Mr Hemmings said.
“They’ve lost food, they’ve lost fencing, they’ve lost stock, the devastation goes on and on. The worst part was the DPI vets out there walking with the farmers deciding which ones to put down … they are tough as nails but they had tears streaming down their face.”
Mr Hemmings – with mates Brad Smith, Lachlan White and Mick Fitzgerald – have so far raised $25,000 in funds to purchase supplies.
The organisers are desperate to enlist volunteers, and also seek donations of tools and hay. Cash donations can be made through the relief fund: BSB 063 097, account number 1400 8659. The hay run takes place on Sunday.
