Eugowra family bales out bushfire victims
Published Date: 19 Jan 2013
Summary
Central Western Daily By NADINE MORTON
HEARTBREAK for one community was the driving spirit behind the generosity of another yesterday.
Since January 12, an out-of-control 46,812-hectare fire has ripped through the heart and soul of the community of Coonabarabran.
Matthew Fraser with son Jack from Eugowra, Rotary Club of Orange Calare
administration director Peter Gilbank and Michael Hayes of Oils Plus. The Fraser
family donated 20 tonnes of hay to feed livestock in Coonabarabran.
The fire destroyed over 50 homes, killed countless animals and wiped out hectares of feed for livestock.
Moved by the unfolding tragedy, members of the Orange community have banded together to bring hay bales to the hungry livestock in Coonabarabran.
Thanks to the help of the Rotary Club of Orange, the Fraser family from Eugowra has donated 20 tonnes of hay bales, worth around $3200, which arrived in Coonabarabran yesterday.
Rotary Club of Orange administration director Peter Gilbank said he was moved by the family's generosity.
"It shows real community support," he said.
"We intended to buy this hay but when we loaded it they gave it away [to us]."
Mr Gilbank said transport for the huge delivery was donated by Michael Hayes of Oils Plus in Orange.
The Rotary Club of Coonabarabran will co-ordinated distribution of the hay to those who need it most.
Mr Gilbank said they hoped to purchase a second load of hay for delivery next week.
"We felt we needed to put something back into the rural community as a result of the devastating bush fire."
