Fire-affected farmers will be “absolutely traumatised” by their experience and face a long road to recovery, United Dairyfarmers of Victoria Wannon branch’s Chris O’Keefe says.
The UDV branch secretary said the generous farming community was already making offers of support for fodder and short-term agistment.
“The individuals that have been affected are going to be absolutely traumatised and for them to get their businesses back on track is going to be a huge task,” he said.
“We all need to pull together.”
Mr O’Keefe said the UDV branch is linking farmers affected with those who could help with fodder and cow parking.
“We want to be a conduit between those who have it and those who need it,” he said.
“Offers of transport would be good too.”
Mr O’Keefe said it was not just dairyfarmers affected, so the UDV was keen to spread the word into other farming communities.
“It will be devastating to those who have losses. Some have had their whole farms burnt out,” he said.
Farmers looking for help, or those able to support those affected can contact Mr O’Keefe on 0428 692 416 or Oonagh Kilpatrick on 0417 331 354.
The UDV and Victorian Farmers Federation have also united to develop a register of farmers who need fodder, or can donate, as well as requests for generators.
People can call 1300 882 833 or visit the UDV VFF Farmer Support SW Fires Facebook page.
Support is already flowing in thick and fast for farmers affected by fire.
Terang and District Lions Club is providing help to families and farmers in need around the Terang, Garvoc, Ecklin and The Sisters areas.
Chris O’Connor said the club was calling for those who need support to come forward.
“We’ve got hay coming as early as today, it will be good quality and a good quantity,” he said.
“What we’d like is for people to contact us… to find out who is in need.
“We need to know on the ground who needs that support.
“Even if it’s power, fencing, things like that we can do in the medium term. We’re working closely with the council.
“If people need someone to talk to… we can help there as well.”
For those who need help, or know someone who does, contact Chris O’Connor on 0429 954 265 or Wayne Saunders on 0412 682 586.
South-West Victorian Livestock Exchange is offering free livestock holding for anyone affected by the region’s fires. People interested can contact manager Paul White on 0417 055 014.
Need for Feed Disaster Relief has also set up a depot at Jancourt, in the yard of Webber and Chivell, with the first loads of hay arriving on Monday morning.
People wanting to donate labour or services to the relief effort can contact Corangamite Shire on 5593 7100.
The Victorian Farmers Federation is coordinating fodder relief for farmers affected by fires in the South West of the state.
“First and foremost, we need farmers, their families and their workers to think of safety and seek support”, said David Jochinke, VFF President.
“Anyone with good quality fodder to donate should contact the VFF on 1300 882 833 to register,” said Mr Jochinke.
“We also want to hear from farmers who need fodder so we can coordinate immediate distribution”.
"We are encouraging farmers affected by the fires to contact the VFF for support, donations and assistant – either by phone on 1300 882 833 or by referring to www.vff.org.au/support."
The VFF has an agreement with the Victorian Government to facilitate the fodder relief. This includes reimbursement of freight costs for transport of donated fodder.
Agriculture Victoria is advising farmers in the case of injured livestock to euthanise and dispose if appropriate and to record images and information for insurance purposes. There is no need to wait for the department or a vet to authorise.
Agriculture Victoria animal health staff will enter fire-affected areas as soon as it is safe to do so. For further advice on livestock impacted by fire, farmers can ring 03 5336 6721
The Rural Financial Counselling Service is available for immediate assistance and can be contacted on 1300 735 578 (24 hour hotline).
“I want to thank the CFA and all the people in the surrounding regions for their immediate support and donations. It is times like that that Australia’s strong communities come together”.
Further information about the support available to fire-affected farmers can be found at www.vff.org.au/support.
