Media Release

When hay is gold: Gold Industry Group commits $75,000 for drought-hit WA farmers

The Gold Industry Group (GIG) has contributed $75,000 to Farmers Across Borders to help deliver emergency hay and feed to Western Australian farming families facing worsening drought conditions across the Gascoyne, Murchison and Kalgoorlie.

The support comes as farmers and pastoralists across the regions continue to face critical feed shortages, with dry conditions placing growing pressure on livestock, livelihoods and families working to keep stock alive.

GIG’s contribution will help Farmers Across Borders keep trucks on the road and get donated feed to the people and animals who need it most, providing practical relief.
Farmers Across Borders President Sam Starcevich said the conditions facing families in these regions went well beyond a lack of rain.

“A lot of people picture drought as just ‘not much rain’, but it’s a whole lot more than that,” Ms Starcevich said.

“These families, station managers and workers are getting up every day trying to keep stock alive, trying to stretch feed, trying to hold onto generations of hard work while watching the country get drier and the pressure builds.

“Most farmers will do absolutely everything they can before asking for help. They’re resilient people. But when you’ve had failed seasons back-to-back and no real break in sight, it wears people down, and hope becomes scarce.”

Gold Industry Group CEO Kristy Reilly said the gold sector’s connection to the Gascoyne and Murchison made the contribution a natural one.

“Our members operate in these regions every day. The Gascoyne and Murchison are home to workforces, families and communities the gold sector has stood alongside for generations. When drought hits, it hits our neighbours,” Ms Reilly said.

The $75,000 contribution helps cover the logistical costs of getting feed where it’s needed most, with Farmers Across Borders organising baling, stacking and delivery at cost price to ensure as much support as possible reaches the farm gate. The charity estimates around $100,000 is needed to deliver 4,000 bales of hay.

Ms Starcevich said the contribution would have a direct, practical impact.

“This sort of support is huge for us because fuel is the biggest challenge in getting feed into remote areas,” she said.

“The reality is, we can have donated hay sitting there ready to go, but without funding to move it, it doesn’t get to the people, and the livestock, who need it. GIG’s contribution is the mining industry showing support to WA farmers and pastoralists, the industry getting behind those people who feed us.”

Founded in regional WA and registered as a charity in 2019, Farmers Across Borders is run by a volunteer crew of farmers, truckies and community members who organise donated feed and deliver it straight to families facing drought and natural disasters. Its first hay run was in 2014.

Ms Starcevich said the impact of a delivery went beyond the feed itself.

“It means hope. Yes, the hay feeds stock, but it also gives everyone a bit of breathing room. It buys them time,” she said.

“When those trucks roll in, it reminds people they haven’t been forgotten. That there are Australians out there who believe in them and what they do, willing to back them when times are tough.”

Ms Reilly said standing alongside regional communities during difficult periods was part of the gold sector’s identity.

“The relationship between the gold sector and regional Western Australia is a long one. Supporting Farmers Across Borders on this hay run is a practical way to recognise that connection and help regional communities when they need it most,” Ms Reilly said.

The Gold Industry Group is the peak body for Australia’s gold sector, representing producers, explorers and service providers across the country.

To learn more about Farmers Across Borders or to support the next hay run, visit farmersacrossborders.com.au.