This humble truckie should be Australian of the Year

Brendan “Bumper” Farrell reckons he’s just an everyday bloke, helping people in need. Over the last two years, Bumper has organised for $10 million worth of hay to reach farmers in need.

Now there are calls to recognise the humble truckie as Australian of the Year. In fact, Bumper is planning his eleventh Burrumbuttock Hay Runners right now.

“It’s an unforgettable experience when you are part of these hay runs and you drive into a small country town where all the kids have ever known is drought”, Bumper told The Australian today.

“There they all are out on streets welcoming you with flags and cheers. I’ve had tears streaming down my face”, he added. However, the father-of-three doesn’t want any prizes of accolades.

“I just do it because it’s the right thing to do”, he said. “I want my kids to know there are still good people in the world who want to help each other”.

The Burrumbuttock Hay Runners has not received a cent from the government. Now Bumper is trying to raise last-minute funds to fuel a staggering 400 trucks making the trip north of Queensland and back.

“The drought is in no way over”, Bumper told The Australian. “There’s been a few little storm showers and a couple of rivers are running, but it’s patchy”.

“These farmers need our help yet so many people in the cities don’t realise how bad it still is up there”. Starts At 60 readers who want to help can visit Burrumbuttock Hay Runners on Facebook HERE.

Do you think Bumper should be recognised as Australian of the Year? Should governments be doing more to help farmers in drought?