Three bales of wool containing fleeces from across Gippsland exhibited at the Omeo Show hit the Melbourne woolstores last week, creating a frenzy of bids.
Two of the charity bales sold for $6000 to Endeavour Wool Exports, while the third bale made $3973, bought by Modiano Australia.
The money goes to support the Helimed helicopter which services the Gippsland community.
Watching the auction first hand was a group of 37 woolgrowers and community members from Gippsland, who joined the annual bus trip to Melbourne.
Trip organiser, Elders Gippsland district wool manager, Madi Gallagher, said taking into account a donation of $2000 donation and raffle proceeds from Stratford Lions Clubs, the total donation for the day reached $12,911.50.
“That brings our nine-year grand total to $114,627,” Madi said.
“These are such generous donations for Helimed.
“The total raised from the bales actually sits about $5000
over market value, which is outstanding support for such an amazing cause.
“It’s a pleasure to organise this event on behalf of the
Gippsland community, which relies so heavily on the services Helimed provides.”
After the auction the group toured Elders new wool handling facility in Ravenhall where they were mesmerised by the world-first technology and automation.
Madi said to finish the day, the group were fortunate to meet the Helimed team at the Traralgon
base, hearing about the advancements in technology which these donations have gone towards, allowing the group to gain a greater understanding of the services the organisation provides to Gippsland locals.
“It was fascinating to hear about Helimed’s 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 the 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.
“Oh behalf of Elders, I’d like to thank all the wool growers, Dyson’s bus lines, the attendees and the charity bale buyers from Endeavour and Modiano and all who have helped support this great cause.
“We’d also like to thank Grinters Transport for cartage to Melbourne, the Smith family and Omeo Show Society for the continued support and involvement, and of course the buyers for their time and donation.”
