By JONATHON HOWARD
AS RESIDENTS of Pratten and Bony Mountain continued recovery efforts following the devastating storm last Wednesday, 12 June, a well-known couple from Rosehill have been somewhat overlooked.
Maree and Joe Gray live on Gray Lane, Rosehill and on the night of the storm, as they watched TV, their livelihoods were literally being torn out from under them.
After the power went out at about 8.30pm, Mr Gray got up to start the generator.
Fierce winds and thunder had concealed the carnage outside and Mr Gray was shocked to discover the families’ 200-foot baling and multipurpose shed had blown away.
Mr Gray has been baling in the local community for more than 30 years and had built up the business before moving on to the property with a house and 30-foot shed seven years ago.
The next day the Grays were bombarded with questions from television journalists, who would later use only snippets of the recorded questions as well as incorrectly using footage of the shed to describe Pratten, 33 kilometres away.
Mrs Gray said the family were now on the verge of financial ruin as hay bales were exposed.
The family have extended neighbours and residents reasonable rates on hay bales to ensure they can see through a harsh winter.
“We were lucky it didn’t take the house,” Mrs Gray said.
“It’s been a terrible situation – we’d just like to see us through winter by selling some of the hay.”
Mrs Gray said the bales were still in good condition.
Anyone in need of some hay can phone the Grays on 4661 4059.
BREAK OUT
FUND-RAISING efforts will continue for Pratten and Bony Mountain storm victims this week.
This Sunday, 30 June, at Slade Hall (Horsman Road) the Warwick and District Country Music Club will host a country music day for the Pratten/Bony Mountain residents affected by the recent storm.
The day will commence at 11am and admission is $10 which will include a barbecue lunch and sweets, afternoon tea and a lucky door prize.
Tea and coffee will be available all day. Multi-draw raffles will also be on sale.
Everybody is invited to come along and support these people in their time of need.
Thanks to The Christian College, which has donated the use of the hall and a big thankyou to John Thornton from the farmers markets for his generous donation of $500 towards this worthy cause.
