A uniquely South West Queensland auction of a road train filled with hay bales, raised $33,000 for LifeFlight in Roma, sparking even more donations and bringing the tally to $40,000.
Hosted by Terry and Ginette Snow of Willinga Pastoral Company, the auction was held at the highly successful weekend Juandah Plains Campdraft event.
Andrew and Heidi Koschel of GVS Freightlines originally bought and donated the $10,000 worth of hay and freighted it up to the Campdraft from New South Wales at no charge.
Wallumbilla business owners Graham and Christina York were the generous highest hay bidders, paying approximately $33,000 for the huge hay haul; more than triple its original cost.
“LifeFlight is a lifeline to people in the bush,” said Graham. “We hope we never have to use the service, but we are so grateful LifeFlight is only a phone call away.”
The LifeFlight South West Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) wanted to offer something different from the usual, as their auction item, for the Juandah Plains Campdraft.
“We really wanted to auction something people in this region really need; something that can assist people and they will actually find useful. With this current weather situation, so many cattle farmers are bringing in hay, so we thought a road train of hay is going to be beneficial while also helping to support the vital work of LifeFlight,” said LifeFlight South West RAC Chair Kate Scott.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but this result is overwhelming. People are so generous with money, time and assistance. There are so many people to thank, who make this successful.”
ECM Livestock owner Pat Cleary donated approximately $6,000 from his Calcutta prize winnings and Colliers Commercial and Residential Real Estate gave another $1000.
The funds will help support LifeFlight’s community work in the future.
