Burrumbuttock to Bourke Hay run delivering to Windorah Queensland | photos | map

“Farmers around there are in dire straights and have been forgotten. The drought hasn’t gone away,” Mr Farrell said.

“It’s hard to explain what it’s like there. The trees are yellow, the kangaroos are like skeletons. To understand it you need to jump in your car and go there or look at more pictures, it’s so barren just like the dessert.”

In November 2013, Mr Farrell started organising the first Burrumbuttock to Bourke hay run. Since then, more than 16,250 bales have helped more than 1800 farmers feed stock.

“You don’t have to be a genius or have a million dollars in the bank to help someone – I don’t. You just need to have a heart of gold and have a crack,” Mr Farrell said.

To organise a run takes hundreds of hours of preparation, all completed by Mr Farrell. He collects donated hay and delivers it to the depot on his farm in Burrumbuttock, makes hundreds of phone calls to line up trucks and plans the route.

The run to Windorah is planned for January 7 next year with hopes of attracting 100 trucks to deliver 3000 bales. The trucks and trailers lined up will span 27 kilometres and make a new guinness world record for the biggest hay run in Australia.

Typically, farmers and owner operated truck drivers are first to put their hands up to help. Currently 41 trucks are confirmed for the run with more needed. Anyone who owns a truck and trailer and wants to donate their time can contact Mr Farrell to sign up for the run.

“Every truck driver who has been on the run says it’s the best feeling in the world,” Mr Farrell said.

Farmers wanting to donate hay for the run can also contact Mr Farrell on 0439 322 605 or via the Burrumbuttock to Bourke Hay Run Facebook page.

Monetary donations, to be used for fuel, can be made to Rotary Club of Sydney using BSB: 062 438 ACC: 10211156 Description: Drought Appeal. Businesses who want to get involved can sponsor a truck for $2000 to have their banner on the side of a truck.