Need for Feed Disaster Relief, a project of Lions clubs, will oversee the distribution of more than 300 bales of hay – along with numerous hampers – on Saturday, before converging on the Muswellbrook Race Club for an overnight stay.

There, Lions and Lionesses from throughout the district, as well as neighbouring zones, are planning to cater for the masses, by supplying dinner and following up with breakfast the next morning.

Need for Feed founder and coordinator Graham Cockerell said he was “really pleased” by the amount of support in the local area.

“We were contacted by the Upper Hunter Lions clubs [about the plight up there] a month or two ago,” he explained.

“So, 10-to-12 trucks will drop off the bales of hay around places such as Scone, Bunnan, Middlebrook, Segenhoe and Rouchel to name a few.

“It’ll then be shared out among landholders who haven’t previously received assistance.

“Some of our drivers are travelling more than 2500km to help out this weekend.

“In fact, there are a few on the road now.

“There are drop-offs taking place in the Camden and Picton area [on the same weekend], too.” 

Mr Cockerell indicated the assistance would be ongoing.

“Everyone is still fundraising; and doing whatever they can,” he said.

“So, further aid will be coming up.

“We’re also looking for more fodder – as well as a few extra trucks.

“The priority remains for money for stock feed.

“Contributions from the district Lions clubs have passed $22,000, which is a great effort.

“At the moment, the hay is being carted from western Victoria.

“That’s how far you’ve got to go to obtain decent fodder.”

Need for Feed has been supporting communities and farmers since 2006.

In December of that year, Mr Cockerell donated and delivered one truck load of hay, which was distributed by Cowwar Toongabbie Lions Club to farmers burnt out in their area.

The problem: it was only five small bales for each landholder.

He then returned to his home determined to round up others to help make a difference. 

“My neighbour Barry Medwin, who lost his own wife and daughter in the 1983 Ash Wednesday Fires, donated the next semi load of hay,” Mr Cockerell said.

“Then my hot-rodding mate Doug Hamilton suggested a Bush Fire Benefit, which raised $23,000.

“A local paper published the story on the events, entitled ‘Need for Feed’ – and so we were born.

“Every year since, we’ve raised funds for fire, drought and flood relief.”

To find out more about the organisation, visit www.needforfeed.org