A Mount Gambier teenager is one of four finalists in the SA Young Australian of the Year awards for 2022.
Zoe Simpson, 18, is the founder of the Mount Gambier Hay Run – often referred to as “Zoe’s Dream”.
In late 2019, the then 16-year-old was inspired to help farmers after a devastating bushfire ripped through South Australian farmland.
It burned through more than 15,000 hectares, killing livestock and destroying buildings – and leaving famers without essential feed for their animals.
After a chat with her father Scott, Miss Simpson started to gather hay with the help of a family friend before putting out a call on social media.
From there, her efforts gained momentum and grew into what has become the Mount Gambier Hay Run.
In January 2021, the Mount Gambier Hay Run conducted a delivery drive to the Lucindale community after a blaze in Blackford left around 16,000 hectares burnt.
In just three days, Miss Simpson and her team managed to deliver more than 70 trucks full of hay to an overwhelmingly grateful community.
Miss Simpson said she was very shocked but amazed to find out she was one of 140 nominees.
“At that stage I was very proud to have been nominated and recognised by such important people in South Australia,” she said.
“When I found out I was one of four finalists I was absolutely gobsmacked.
“I never realised how touching my story was until I made the top four.
“If it was not for my father and Adam Smith, I would not have been able to achieve half of what had happened over the past few years.
“I am amazed at our hay run community for their efforts and I’m also very thankful to all of the farmers who donated hay, truck companies for the use of their trucks and equipment and also the truck drivers who take time out of their personal lives to help the hay run.”
Miss Simpson said she was looking forward to attending the awards ceremony on October 21 in Adelaide.
“I am already a winner in my eyes for already helping so many people,” she said.
Miss Simpson’s awards nomination states “believing farmers are the backbone of the country and deserving of help, Zoe shows a tireless effort in supporting South Australia’s farming communities in their times of need”.
