A MASSIVE group of dedicated truck drivers is gearing up for its greatest mission yet.
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Over 150 truckies, known as the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners, regularly deliver hay and supplies to drought-stricken farmers across northern NSW and western Queensland.
The determined group, assembled by Leeton farmer Brendan Farrell, will embark on its twelfth hay run early next year and is already in the thick of preparations for its biggest ever trip.
Mr Farrell said the operation, which began in 2013, had grown at a staggering rate.
“On day one the plan was to take one truck,” he said.
“Last time we had 405 trucks and trailers and next time we’ll have between 400 and 500.”
“We’ve had a lot of help.”
“There's no way in the world anyone could organise something like this without a lot of dedicated people.”
The stunning success of the program resulted in rumblings for Mr Farrell to be crowned Australian of the Year, led by a Facebook campaign which quickly attracted over 30,000 likes. The Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils officially lodged his nomination several months later.
Mr Farrell said he was grateful for the honour, but quickly deflected attention away from himself and towards the struggling farmers he strives to help.
After seeing the devastating impact of the drought first-hand, the Leeton truckie first sprung into action in 2013, immediately embodying the old adage that actions speak louder than words.
”I just wanted to let farmers know that someone out there still gave a damn,” Mr Farrell said.
The Bureau of Meteorology has since forcasted above average rainfall for much of drought-affected Queensland over the next three months.
But the NSW native said farmers are still experiencing plenty of pain, and plans to continue ramping up his operation even if drought conditions ease.
“We want to let people know farmers are still doing it tough across all industries.”
“They're the backbone of Australia.”