Jeep supports drought relief campaign

Fiat Chrysler Automotive Australia has got behind a drought assistance program for farmers in the north west of New South Wales.

In conjunction with Lions Australia's Need for Feed initiative, the company's Jeep brand is supplying food and support vehicles for a convoy of 50 road trains making the journey from Western Australia to NSW, hauling feed for starving stock.

The payload – 3000 tonnes of hay – has been donated by farmers in WA, and the truckies are driving their rigs on their own time, with Lions' Need for Feed paying for the fuel.

Esperance (WA) residents, Sam Starcevich and Anne Bell (pictured), have coordinated the project, which is not their first undertaking of this kind. The two women launched 'Farmers Across Boarders' in 2014 – with 16 road trains carrying the load back then.

Due to arrive in Cobar, NSW in time for Australia Day (today, January 26), the 2019 convoy set out from Norseman in WA back on January 22, Tuesday of this week.

"We are blown away by the generosity of our West Aussie farmers, local community and sponsors, who are all eager to help our fellow farmers still struggling in their time of need," Ms Starcevich said.

"We are honoured to work with this group of passionate West Australian farmers on their quest to deliver 3000 tonnes of hay to drought-stricken farmers in Cobar, New South Wales," said President and CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia, Steve Zanlunghi.

"We recognise the severity of the current drought and have a number of customers and dealers in affected communities. We look forward to showing our support on Australia Day and beyond."

According to the NSW Government's Department of Primary Industries, nearly half of the state is drought declared, with 32.6 per cent of it – largely north-west New South Wales – classified as being in 'intense drought'.