A very colourful and specially-decorated wool bale was auctioned for charity this week, with all proceeds donated to the Michael Manion Wool Industry Foundation.
Despite the sale being pushed back a week because of the hack and shut down of the wool market, the 132-kilogram bale made an impressive 1600 cents a kilogram.
This resulted in a donation of $2112.
Michael and Cathy Blake, Ballyglunin Park, Hamilton, donated a bale of fine Merino fleece which had been carefully decorated by their grandchildren, Lachy, Jasmine, Edward and Lucinda.
"We had to post the wool pack across to Perth and then Adelaide so all four grandchildren could decorate it," Mr Blake said.
"They had an absolute ball drawing on the wool bale in their favourite colours and became even more enthusiastic once they found out what it was for."
The charity bale was auctioned by Fox & Lillie Rural, receiving strong bidding competition in the sale room.
The bale was finally sold to New England Wool, purchased on behalf of Italian spinner Successori Reda Spa.
Fox & Lillie Rural brokerage manager Eamon Timms thanked New England Wool for their support.
"The foundation is a wonderful charity because its primary purpose is to support children in country areas for families in need and we believe it's such an important charity to support," Mr Timms said.
Established in 2015 in memory of wool industry identity Michael Manion, the foundation is a reach-out support service for rural families and children and has significantly helped some children and families in need over the years.