Community
11 September, 2025
Kinder rallies for farmers
MORTLAKE Kindergarten’s fundraiser supporting drought-stricken farmers proved such a success that Need for Feed Australia brought trucks to town for an in-person thank you.
As Western District Newspapers reported in August, Mortlake Kindergarten has spent the past month hosting a fundraiser which was inspired by conversations with the children on the impact of the drought.
The fundraiser saw ‘haybale tokens’ being sold to fill a two-dimensional truck lining the fencing on the corner of Dunlop and Officer streets.
The fundraiser rapidly gained support as businesses and families in the region embraced the concept.
Soon, support even began flowing from interstate.
Mortlake Kindergarten educational leader Jane Gough said the fundraiser had since reached around $6000, far exceeding any expectations.
“We’ve been overwhelmed throughout this process because it’s not just rewarding for us but for the children as well,” she said.
“We brought them over to see the ‘truck’ the other day and they were so excited to see so many hay bale tokens had been added – there were too many to count.
“We’ve had donations from all over Victoria and even interstate.
“It is just incredible.”
Ms Gough has remained in regular contact with Need for Feed Australia since the early stages of the fundraiser.
She said it was important to ensure the fundraiser was never about the kindergarten, but about raising awareness for the importance of the cause.
“It was always about raising awareness for our farmers and supporting the efforts of Need for Feed Australia,” Ms Gough said.
“We’re pleased we’ve been able to achieve this.
“We didn’t want to protect the children from the harsh reality of drought but we also wanted to support our families.
“As a team we reflected on the fact we wanted to do something but it took us a while because we wanted to take the fundraising out of the kinder and away from the families who were already impacted.
“The idea has been phenomenal and local businesses have really embraced and supported us.”
Ms Gough had been in contact with Need for Feed Australia from the early stages of the fundraiser.
Volunteers behind the not-for-profit movement saw how the fundraiser had captivated people online thanks to the Mortlake Roadhouse and its large online following throwing support behind the cause.
The impact of the fundraiser was evident late last week when Need for Feed Australia chairman Graham Cockerell contacted Ms Gough.
He apologised for the short notice but said a convoy of hay trucks was on its way to the south west and would love to meet the town’s littlest fundraisers to say ‘thank you’ personally.
On Sunday morning, two completely-full Need for Feed Australia hay trucks made their way along Dunlop Street – much to the excitement of Mortlake Kindergarten children and their families, who had braved blistering rain and wind to meet with the drivers.
Mr Cockerell said it was warming to see the community throw its support behind the cause.
“It’s pretty amazing to raise $6000, which is enough to fill a drop trailer with hay and cover fuel expenses,” he said.
“It costs money but it’s good to see the whole community can come together to make something happen.”
Among those in attendance on Sunday morning was Moyne Shire Council mayor councillor Karen Foster.
She said Mortlake Kindergarten’s fundraiser showcased what makes south west Victoria such a special place.
“Seeing this makes me both proud and optimistic for the future of our community,” Cr Foster said.
“It is gorgeous to see people taking this kind of action – being proactive and caring.
“What a lesson to teach the children about looking out for one another and being part of the community.
“It’s wonderful.
“Aside from the tangible benefits this support will deliver on farm, which is fabulous, but aside from that it’s a beautiful lesson on supporting our neighbours and supporting one another.”
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