Over the previous few weeks, members of the Lions club of Timboon (About 50Km east of Warrnambool), and other locals, had been arranging donations of hay from around the area. This year the south-west area had one of its best years for hay and silage, in a long time.

Donations from areas like Heywood, Portland and Hamilton, were collected, and loaded onto trucks during the week.

On Friday morning February 7th, a convoy of nearly 80 trucks carrying hay departed from a farm near Timboon. Most drivers had friends or members of their families with them.

The hay was destined for Corryong and surrounding areas, where the recent brushfires had destroyed much of the stock feed that had been available.

The convoy travelled via Geelong, where it stopped for lunch, before heading north to Wangaratta.

On the way a number of extra trucks joined the convoy, from as far away as Gippsland, and Nhill. After these trucks joined, the number had grown to 82, and it was estimated that the value of the donated hay was well in excess of $400,000.

The Wangaratta showgrounds was the site where most of the trucks were parked overnight, and many interested locals stopped by to see what was happening.

Many members of the convoy mentioned that they were so pleased to be able to participate in such a worthy cause, and appreciated the support of locals who turned up when they stopped, or waved as they passed.

At only a short distance along the river walk to the Faithful St precinct, many took the opportunity to venture there for an evening meal, and maybe a cold drink.

Some were going to sleep in their trucks, while others made their way to local accommodation. Painters Island caravan park was where many spent the night.

The Lions club of Wangaratta, having been in contact with the Timboon Lions for some time, provided a full breakfast on Saturday morning at the Lions shed at the showgrounds. The convoy departed at about 9AM, after about 150 breakfasts were served.

Pictured above is Timboon Lion's 2nd VP Ray Smith with Wang Lions President John Walker enjoying a light-hearted moment at breakfast on Saturday morning.

Trucks departing Wangaratta showgrounds.

Police were on hand to direct traffic at several intersections in Wangaratta, with many locals on hand to view the spectacle.

The trucks arrived into Corryong early on Saturday afternoon. Corryong Lions club had arranged for each truck to be met individually, and guided to the property where that load was allocated for. Some trucks were also sent to Walwa.

A community dinner was held at the Corryong Bowls Club on Saturday night, to formally welcome the convoy, with nearly 200 in attendance.

Congratulations to Timboon Lions, the many drivers who put in several days of their own time, those who donated hay and vehicles, and everyone else who participated. The amount of publicity raised must have been massive.- what a splendid effort.

The Wangaratta Lions club's facebook page has more photos, and also links to other articles, https://www.facebook.com/wangarattalions

Also check out these other links - there are some great stories, pictures, and videos on them.- especially the aerial photo

Timboon Lions club hay run

Trucks ready to depart from Timboon

Trucks departing from Timboon

Spectacular aerial photo of the trucks at truck stop on the freeway

Tears flow in Corryong as truck arrive