A HELICOPTER BLADE, 1200 BALES OF HAY AND HUNDREDS OF SMILES AT LISMORE FLOOD RELIEF EVENT + VISION

A helicopter blade, lost-and-then-found in the floods, more than 1200 bales of hay and a whole load of smiles were the picture at a flood relief event in Lismore today.

Organised by The Rapid Relief Team (RRT), the Farmers Community Connect event is the second hosted in Lismore since devastating floods twice hit the north coast earlier this year. 

1224 bales of feed-tested, A-grade Lucerne hay and 880 25kg bags (22 tonnes) of annual ryegrass seed were donated to more than 300 local farmers in need. 

The donated feed at just today’s event alone is enough to feed 40,000 head of cattle.

“After the first community event we reached out to local farmers to see if further support was needed, and what would be most beneficial,” RRT Director Lester Sharples said.

“More than 100 farmers told use that both short and longer-term support would be welcomed – and that’s why the ryegrass seed has been donated to farmers, alongside the hay.

“We have nearly double the number of farmers receiving assistance compared to our last event just two months ago – so it just shows how challenging recovery still is,” Mr Sharples said. 

The tetraploid annual ryegrass seed with ultrastrike coating is a resilient, annual seed product which means it can be planted in winter and help bring paddocks back to life, earlier. 

A convoy of 28 trucks transported the hay from Cowra and Griffith in the Riverina, and the ryegrass seed from Forbes, to South Lismore on the North Coast. 

More than 600 locals and farmers took advantage of a community BBQ and there were ten community and support service providers on-hand to support locals.

In a quirky addition – a helicopter blade that was lost in the floods and then found at a later date, was auctioned for charity at the event, raising $20,000 for a local charity providing temporary emergency housing. 

The helicopter blade was donated from Mike Barnes, local pilot, and owner of Rotorwing helicopter services, who also helped with airlifting hay bales to farmers cut off by flooding in early April.

“Lismore, and the entire north coast, still have a long road of recovery ahead, and it’s important we all keep them in our thoughts and prayers but also demonstrate our compassion through action, to support them through it,” Mr Sharples said.

“It’s like a mini field day – with the chance to grab a bite to eat, take advantage of local services and importantly, connect with other locals that have also been through tough times.”

Veterinary support, rural financial counsellors and mental health counsellors were among the services offered. 

This year RRT has donated 2,852 bales of hay to more than 450 farmers on the north coast as part of its Farmers Community Connect initiative.

Local farmer Greta Rhodes said: "It just means the world - it's just so good. If you have to buy hay it's very expensive and you can understand why. There is shortage of feed everywhere and this just means so much that we can feed this cattle through this cold weather, through this hard time." 

Media enquiries: Bas Bolyn 0447 486 195

VISION: Link to vision in dropbox here. Note vision will be updated through the afternoon.
 

About the Rapid Relief Team (RRT)

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church established the RRT in 2013 to express the Church’s principles of care and compassion. The RRT is staffed by Church volunteers who provide catering services at a range of charitable events and emergencies.

Globally, the RRT has more than 14,500 volunteers and operates in Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, the United States, Canada and Germany.