“I’ve got a commuter bus and a trailer, and I’ve got to drive to Albury on Thursday regardless,” Matthew Pilarcik said.

“My daughter Alison and I came up with a concept last night: take down a couple of bales of hay and see if anyone kicks in.”

A Facebook post and a night’s sleep grew Mr Pilarcik’s five bales to over forty by Monday. 

Mr Pilarcik estimates he can fit 55 bales into his converted bus and trailer. 

“I’ll be leaving at 3am on Thursday so by the time the sun’s up I’ll be around Young, going through some pretty hard hit land. 

“When I drive past someone who looks in need of some feed, I’ll drop it in.

“‘Why go down empty?’ is my thought.”

Mr Pilarcik is also planning to take some donated ‘care packages’ of basic groceries and supplies. 

“We’ve got guys living around the corner who are trying to put meat on our tables and peas on our plates,” he said.

“We’re relying on them to do their jobs. 

“They’ve got cattle to feed, sheep, chooks. Every animal on a farm is important.” 

The first fifteen bales to travel with Mr Pilarcik were donated by friend Malcolm Harris, who is currently grazing ten head of cattle on Mr Pilarcik’s property. 

“I let his cattle graze here for nothing. So that’s how he thought he could help. Use that money saved to donate to another farmer,” Mr Pilarcik said. 

“Then the supplier [Adam’s Shed] kicked in 15 too.” 

Mr Pilarcik said he was overwhelmed by interest from surrounding Hartley and Lithgow residents. 

“If I can do a little bit from our community it makes us so proud and gives us community spirit. And you couldn’t ask for more than that.”

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The Hartley Vale man’s decision to deliver donated feed to drought-stricken farmers coincided with a state government announcement on Monday introducing a $500 million drought package, which includes transport subsidies backdated to January 1. 

Mr Pilarcik said he would be happy to take another road trip next week if he can fill up another load.

“I’m prepared to do it if I can get some assistance with fuel. My time is nothing.”

To buy a bale for Mr Pilarcik’s trip contact him on 0467 227 216. 

You can also contribute to the Lithgow Mercury’s ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign by following this link.