After a massive 55,372 hectare fire devastated the region around Dunedoo, Cassilis and Coolah, a group of Bathurst men created Hay2Help to assist.

The project called on donations of hay to feed hungry stock, but organisers said they never expected to receive so many.

James Walton from Bowyer and Livermore First National is the driving force behind the project and he said people have donated hay, transport, fuel and drivers.

Brett Cranston from Cranston’s Trucking Services also answered the call for help with his trucks and drivers transporting much of the massive load of hay.

So far, two semi-trailer loads of round bales have been delivered, with more expected to leave Bathurst later this week.

“I’m not surprised the [Central] Tablelands got behind it, they always do,” Mr Walton said.

“I thought we’d only get a couple of semi loads, and we’d be happy with that, but I think we’ve got around eight to 12 trucks [leaving] on Saturday. It’s just awesome.”

Bathurst Regional councillor Bobby Bourke, Steve Ellery and Steve Sharwood are also supporting hay run and have organised a drop-off point for donations.

“We’ve had everything from half-a-dozen small square bales up to two semi loads from one family,” Mr Walton said. “It’s worth at least $2000 a semi load.

“There’s been some local families who haven’t cut their own hay this year so they’ve gone out and bought some [for the appeal].”

People have also been donating funds into a recently-formed trust account for the farmers.

Mr Walton said funds raised through the trust will probably go towards the purchase of new fencing in fire-affected regions.

“Thousands of kilometres in fencing has been damaged or destroyed,” he said.

“While insurance will cover it, it’s a safety factor that stock are currently able to wander on roads.”

Mr Walton has asked for truck drivers and fencers who wish to help to contact him.

Donations of hay can be dropped off by appointment only at 9 Church Lane, off River Road east of the river.

Follow Hay2Help on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hay2help.

Trust fund details: account name Hay 2 Help, BSB 882 000, account number 10 011 2534.

For more information, contact Mr Walton on 6336 1585 or 0404 729 509, Mr Ellery on 0427 614 261, or Cr Bourke on 0416 207 370.