The Michael Manion Wool Industry Foundation presented a $7000 cheque to Alfred Hackett, and his partner Amy Rogers, Gelantipy, who was involved in a road accident prior to Christmas last year.
Presented at the woolstores in Melbourne in front of a large gallery of wool buyers, Ms Rogers, who is a member of the Victorian wool handling team, said she was overwhelmed by the support.
“We’ve had a really rough start to the year, but would like to thank the foundation, and wool industry as a whole,” Ms Rogers said.
“I’m really proud to be a part of [the industry], and hopefully will be for many years to come.
“This [money] should help out a fair bit.”
Mr Hackett was found in an upside down car, and was trapped for six hours before he could be released, following the accident on December 19.
He was flown to hospital in a Helimed helicopter, and has been in hospital, away from home, since mid-February.
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Elders Gippsland district wool manager Mal Nicholls said it was inspiring to see support from the industry, whose donation would go towards Mr Hackett’s continuous recovery process.
“I’d like to make mention of the generous nature of the wool buyers, and the things they do,” Mr Nicholls said.
“I’ve seen it on a number of occasions, and this is a real demonstration of your generosity, which we certainly appreciate.”
The Michael Manion Wool Industry Foundation was founded by friends of Mr Manion, who passed away in mid-2014 after a short battle with cancer.
Mr Manion was the founding member and managing director of Segard Masurel Australia, and initiated the takeover of Grampian Wools in 2009.
He started his career as a junior wool buyer with Mitsui, and gained further experience working for Laycock and Elders.
Board member Nigel Rendell said the foundation has so far raised $100,000, and supported five people.
“Simply, we’re here to help good people that need a leg up,” Mr Rendell said.