Successful grant application leads to 48 bales of Hay from Glencore

Glencore, Ulan Coal Mine's parent company, has given to the 200 Bales initiative after a successful grant application by founder, Glenn Box.

Glencore's 'Smarty Grants' program which is also part of Ulan Coal Mine's 'Community Investment Program', purchased 48 bales of hay for 200 Bales.

The hay will be stored in a holding area located on the outskirts of Mudgee and will be kept here until distribution by 200 Bales to registered, eligible farmers within the Mid-Western Region in the coming weeks.

"We're always looking to support local communities with practical help wherever possible," Ulan Coal Mines Limited General Manager, Charlie Allan said.

"We've done so with vouchers that local farming families were able to claim at the stock and rural produce store in Gulgong and we hope the hay bales will also help relieve some of the financial burden on our neighbours.

"Investment into our community is an integral part of how Ulan Coal Mines (Glencore) operate and we look forward to continuing to develop good relationships with the individuals and communities surrounding our operations."

200 Bales founder Glenn Box said it's great to see continued support from Glencore and others.

"Glencore and the mining sector support the community well across all corners and they supported us last year in a big way, and to have them come back and offer support a second time was really good," Glenn said.

"It's certainly a boost when fundraising for 200 bales it its toughest.

"It's hard to raise money for drought appeal now that things are much greener - thank god - it was really welcome and to get it in such a large quantity in one go is good. It means we can support people really quickly as opposed to staggering it out.

"Whether it's because reality grass on the ground I believe there is a need for ongoing support as we go into later autumn and winter but not everyone is going to get something up in the form of their own crop.

"Demand certainly is decreasing which is good."