25/10/2026
Well, that was a day and an evening!
Apart from the fact that the primary source of music and broadcasting services decided to finish early (read "crash"), we had a wonderful time celebrating at the Cricket Club Hotel (CCH Charlton) throughout yesterday.
Some thank yous:
Leanne and Greg and their amazing staff at CCH Charlton for allowing us to come in and take over their pub. They have been amazing supporters throughout the month, selling "FarmaParmas" to raise money directly, as well as encouraging donations into the donation tins around the pub. Nothing was too much trouble for them and the success of the event was in no small part due to their enthusiastic embrace of a crazy idea six weeks ago!
To the amazing people of Charlton - what a town, what a community. Even though it has been 42 years since I lived in the town, I was welcomed as a local last night. From the start of the event until well after midnight, members of the Charlton community bought food and drinks, made donations directly and indirectly and, importantly, came along to celebrate these two amazing organisations.
To Linda, Jake, Sam, Molly and Jacko from Aussie Hay Runners who each drove hundreds of kms to be there, to promote their brand and and to support the event. I hope that the vibe in the room underlined how the people of Charlton feel about what you do. I'm not sure how much they told you directly but even while I was .. err ... "using the gents", I had a bloke telling me how amazing you guys are.
To Kevin, Melissa and the team at BlazeAid. My apologies for choosing a date for the event that clashed with two very important volunteer-focused activities for you and your team, which meant you couldn't be there. It was great that you were still able to find time to call and have a chat - Kevin on the radio and Melissa before we got started. I only wished you had heard first hand what the good folks of Charlton think of the work that you and your crew of volunteers do.
To the social media teams at both Aussie Hay Runners and BlazeAid ... your enthusiasm to promote the event was such an important part of the day. You mightn't be front and centre but you are still really important.
I was telling someone in Melbourne about the event today. his comment was "we metro people just don't get it, do we?" He is so right - regional people look out for regional people and, whilst I now live in the big smoke, I am proud to consider myself a regional person, even if i don't live there at the moment.
We'll let you know how much we raised during the next few days.
Don't get me wrong - the money we collected is so important to what Aussie Hay Runners and BlazeAid do. But the sense of community in that pub yesterday is what it's all about.
I feel privileged to have been a part of it - roll on, farmerthon27!
Thank you all for playing the part you played individually and as a community
Neil
