Help Thommo Fight His Fine for Moving Hay in a Drought

In Condah, Victoria, hay contractor Graham Thomson (Thommo) was recently fined $398 by the NHVR for moving two bales of hay across the road by tractor to help a neighbour during the drought. Thommo’s story has since gone viral on Facebook and in the news, and although he didn’t expect the attention his story would receive, he wants to use it to make a positive impact on the industry he’s worked in his entire life.

We’ve started this GoFundMe page on Thommo’s behalf to raise funds for his court case and to support a mental health initiative for farmers doing it tough.

Thommo is choosing to contest the fine in court because he believes that, after 60+ years in the industry, helping a neighbour feed their livestock shouldn’t be penalised. This fundraiser has been established to help him in that effort, both to cover the legal costs and help in making the voices of farmers heard. Thommo says: "Due to farmers experiencing environmental factors, such as drought and floods, I'd like any excess funds to go to farmer mental health, as we need to keep the food chain going." At Thommo’s request, any funds remaining after court costs will be donated to www.farmerhealth.org.au

Australian farmers work year-round through everything from mouse plagues to floods and droughts - sometimes all in the same year. They’re resilient, but the pressure is constant. If you'd like to back Thommo in taking a stand and support the mental well-being of farmers, your contribution is greatly appreciated.

If you'd like to get to know Thommo better, you can listen to this podcast episode he did last year.

Tim Ford

Feed Central