A charity cattle auction in Dubbo could deliver thousands of dollars in much needed support to farming communities devastated by once in a generation floods that tore through North Queensland.
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Organised by Tom Pollard, a stock and station agent at Peter Milling and Company, the auction will see donated cattle sold to the highest bidders.
Proceeds raised will then flow directly to farmers struggling to recover from the floods that ruined their region.
"Auctions Plus [an online agriculture and livestock selling platform] raised $50,000 and the Herd Online [an agri-marketing business] were asking all agents across NSW if they wanted to donate," Mr Pollard said.
"We had clients that wanted to do that and think it's a good thing to do.
"The farmers up there came through eight years of drought, to be swept away by eight metres of water."
Family homes, tools, machinery, sheds, fences and livestock were all lost, Mr Pollard said.
"I know it's dry here but they have lost everything up there and this is the Australian way," he said.
Twelve head of cattle have been donated so far, nine of which came from the biggest donors — Narromine cattle farmers Malcolm and Tracey McIntyre.
"We're retiring and thought if someone's gotta start the ball rolling to help these people, it may as well be us," Mr McIntyre said.
"The cattle market's not flash at the moment but we hope people will be generous and that our small donation may become a larger one."
Aware of controversy surrounding charities and donations not going directly to intended beneficiaries, Mr Pollard and Mr McIntyre said the proceeds from this auction were going to a reputable organisation endorsed by various major media outlets and businesses.
"The money will go to Blaze Aid and we're confident it will all go to the people who need it," Mr Bollard said.
The auction begins shortly before the main 8am cattle sale at Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets on Thursday, 14 March.
Farmers wanting to donate cattle or any community member wanting to offer support can contact Mr Bollard on 0499 823 544 or by emailing tom@petermilling.com.au