NSW Bushfires: Australia’s biggest dairy farming family, the Perich family, donate $1M to NSW Farmers’ Natural Disaster Relief Fund
Australia’s biggest dairy farming family has pledged $1 million to help bushfire-ravaged farmers pick up the pieces from the recent devastation across the country.
Macarthur
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Australia’s biggest dairy farming family has made a seven-figure donation to help bushfire-ravaged farmers pick up the pieces of the recent devastation.
Brothers Tony and Ron Perich, with wives Cathy and Lyn, have contributed $1 million to the NSW Farmers’ Natural Disaster Relief Fund with the hope $10 million can be raised for those in need.
Tony Perich said the farming industry was suffering as much as anyone and needed a cash injection to swiftly to get back on its feet.
“The biggest thing is they have got no fencing, they have got no sheds and their equipment is burnt,” he said. “They need money very quickly to replace these things. That is why we are looking to help, because we have many other businesses we can afford to do this and we are very proud to do so.”
The Daily Telegraph recently spoke to 74-year-old Batlow apple farmer Malcolm Stein who broke down in tears when pondering the fate of his 10,000-tree orchard and 250 head of cattle.
“If they’re wiped out, I’m finished. I liked fruit growing, and I didn’t want to go out like this,” he said.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has reported more than 8660 head of livestock had been euthanised or killed in bushfires this season, with the numbers expected to rise.
NSW Farmers’ president James Jackson said the donation from the Perich family, which have 12,000 dairy cows between properties in Leppington and West Wyalong, would provide immediate relief to farmers in need.
“This is a tremendous donation from the Perich family, who are keen to support fellow farmers in a time of need,” he said.
“We will be making direct contact with charities, including Rapid Relief Team, Rural Aid, Lions Need for Feed, and Blaze Aid to determine their capacity to deliver targeted response to dairy farmers.”
A catchcry of #farmrebuild2020 has been launched by NSW Farmers’ to encourage others to support the state’s farming industry.
To donate to the cause, click here.