Cobargo fires: Robert and Patrick Salway to be commemorated at International Dairy Week

Father-and-son dairy farmers who died tragically in the NSW south coast bushfires will be remembered at International Dairy Week.

Patrick, 29, and his 63-year-old father Robert Salway were killed trying to save their home and farming equipment from the raging Badja Forest blaze. Picture: Supplied

TWO dairy farmers who were killed on their Cobargo farm as fire swept across the NSW south coast will be commemorated at International Dairy Week.

Robert Salway, 63, a long-term Jersey Australia member, was killed alongside his son Patrick, 29, as they were trying to protect their farm north of Bega.

Funds raised during the drive at IDW will be donated to the Salway family and the Dairy Industry Bushfire Relief Support Fund.

Jersey Australia chief executive Glen Barrett said farmers nationwide had donated an array of items.

“These fires have been devastating for all Australians and particularly hard for farming communities,” Mr Barrett said.

“Robert and Patrick Salway were much loved members of the Jersey family and this is the least we can do to support their families,” he said.

“And our concern goes beyond our membership and the Jersey breed. Our entire dairy and farming communities have been devastated by the impact of these fires.”

At the start of the Global Impact Supremacy sale at IDW on January 21, a Casino pregnancy due in July out of Lightning Ridge Tequila Fernleaf VG87 will be auctioned, with all proceeds donated to the Salway family.

The consignment was donated by Frank and Diane Borba, Callum Moscript and Declan Patten.

There will also be a silent auction running through IDW from January 19 to 23 with support from Dairy Livestock Services and Elite Livestock Auctions.

Proceeds will be shared between the Salway family and the Dairy Industry Bushfire Relief Support Fund.

Anyone wishing to donate to the silent auction can contact Mr Barrett on 0418 466 371 or Declan Patten from Global Impact Supremacy on 0499 949 292.

A charitable account has been set up with NAB Agribusiness and people can make a cash donation to 2020 Bush Fire Support BSB 083-894, account 49-781-1553.