THE Mornington Peninsula community has come together to support fire-affected areas in Victoria, with groups, farmers, and volunteers donating hay bales to help struggling farmers.
A truck collection took place on 22 January at The Briars in Mt Martha, followed by another collection in Moorooduc on 23 January.
The initiative was a joint effort with the Victorian Farmers Federation Mornington Peninsula Branch (VFF), who have been coordinating donations and logistics to ensure the hay reaches the areas that need it most.
Mornington Peninsula Shire contributed 380 hay bales, joining local farmers, the VFF, and Jones Engineering and Agricultural Moorooduc at The Briars to support fire-affected farming families.
Jen Shaw, a committee member of the VFF Mornington Peninsula branch, praised the community effort.
“This is the Mornington Peninsula at its best. On the day, we saw farmers and volunteers turning up, community helping community when it matters most,” she said.
“The generosity has been incredible, and we’re grateful to everyone who has donated hay, time, money or transport.”
Shaw emphasized the ongoing need for support, saying the “The need isn’t over. Fire-affected communities will need ongoing support, and we’re encouraging anyone with spare round hay bales to consider donating.”
Local landholders will supply another 316 bales in the coming weeks.
Shaw also noted the VFF was working closely with coordinators in the Longwood and Walwa fire-ground areas “to make sure the hay gets to the people who need it”.
Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh reflected on the collection at The Briars in a social media post, saying, “When communities pull together, incredible things happen. Today was a great reminder of what the Mornington Peninsula does best”.
“Every bale helps. While today’s collection window has passed, support is still being coordinated alongside the VFF and local farmers.”
First published in the Mornington News – 27 January 2026
