After learning that the Need for Feed Australia convey of donated hay was heading to Ardlethan Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke made a special diversion from her scheduled route to meet up with the inspiring team.

After finishing up in Weethalle, she took the road back to the Ardlethan Showground, ahead of the 26-truck convoy, and was there in time to meet and greet them as they arrived – alongside Janet Popple and members of the Ardlethan Show Society who were flat out preparing dinner for their guests.

They stayed the night, had dinner and breakfast and then set off for Queensland where they will be dropping the donated hay with farmers throughout northern NSW and Queensland who have been repeatedly hit with natural disasters like flood and fire and drought.

Ms Cooke congratulated the team of volunteers enough for what they do to help others in need and said it was inspiring to spend time with them. 

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 1 February 2024.