Vollies unite to help fire-affected farmers

Farmers who were affected by last month’s Katanning bushfire are about to receive a helping hand from their local community after a crutching fundraiser.

More than 2755 sheep were crutched on the Coleman farm by 25 volunteers on Saturday, February 22.

Their efforts raised $5500.

The volunteers donated their time to crutch, prepare food and help out in other ways on the day.

The event was run by Commonwealth Bank Katanning and Marinoni Livestock, but more than a dozen local businesses came together to make it happen.

Commonwealth Bank’s Hayley Webb said her partner, Quintin Marinoni, wanted to use his livestock business to bring direct relief to the farmers.

“Me and my staff couldn’t do much during the fires and this is one way that we could help out afterwards,” she said.

“We have noticed at the bank that a lot of local people have been affected emotionally, and physically for a lot of people, too.

“The emotional side will take a while to recover from.

“People might not be doing OK just because they look like they are, and people need to be mindful of how other people are going and asking if they are OK.” Ms Webb said they wanted local farmers to know people were thinking of them during a tough time.

“The farmers can use the money so they can get the necessities that they need — fencing supplies, poly pipe, whatever,” she said.

“Just to feel that they have been thought about is the main thing. It was amazing to see everyone working together.”