This week, Gippsland wool growers joined wool agent Madi Gallagher on a trip to Melbourne for a charity wool sale.
Departing Elders Bairnsdale bright and early on Wednesday, the group of 37 growers and community members travelled together to Melbourne.
The charity sale began at the selling centre, and buyers were eager to place their bids on the sought after charity bales, donated by Gippsland wool growers.
The first two bales lot sold for $6000 to Endeavour Wool Exports. The first lot’s bales weighed 300 kg, measuring 17.7 micron, 102mm and 40nkt. The second lot was a single bale to Modiano Australia for $3973, weighing 137 kg, slightly stronger at 18.5micron, 109mm and 38nkt.
Organiser of the event and Gippsland wool agent Madi Gallagher said she was delighted with this result.
“These are such generous donations for Helimed,” Madi said.
“The total raised from the bales actually sits about $5000 over market value, so this is just outstanding support for such an amazing cause.
“It is such a pleasure to organise this event on behalf of the Gippsland community, who rely so heavily on the services that Helimed provides.”
This is the ninth year that Gippsland wool growers have rallied together to support Helimed in this way, and this year’s three bales have pushed the total donated over that time to $114,627.
After the sale, the bus kindly donated by Dyson’s Bus Lines Bairnsdale then travelled to visit the Helimed base at Traralgon, allowing the group to gain a greater understanding of the services the organisation provides to Gippsland locals.
“It was fascinating to be able to hear about Helimed’s recent advancements in technology, which the donations from these charity sales have gone towards,” Madi said.
“I can’t wait to organise the event again next year, hopefully we can continue to support Helimed and their provision of lifesaving support to rural communities.”
Helimed first established in the Gippsland region of Victoria in the 1970s to provide mobile MICA paramedic ambulance transport and care. Helimed is incredibly important to not only the Gippsland area the wider regional community.
Elders would like to thank all of the wool growers of the charity bales, Dyson’s bus lines, all of our attendees, our charity bale buyers from Endeavour and Modiano and all who have helped support this great cause.