Ray’s legacy aids hospice

Elders Albany recently donated more than $22,000 to Albany Community Hospice as part of a charity sale tribute to their former stockie and auctioneer.

Ray Norman was with Elders for 45 years, spending a significant part of his career in the Great Southern.

After he lost a battle with cancer in 2018, Elders Albany decided to change the name of their annual sale event to the Elders Ray Norman Memorial Breeders Sale, with proceeds from donated heifers going to the Albany Hospice — a service used by Mr Norman.

This year, 15 heifers were donated for the auction held at the Mt Barker Saleyards in December, when a total of $22,337 was raised.

Elders Albany livestock manager Wayne Mitchell said it was a pleasure to raise funds for a great cause.

“We are honoured to be able to facilitate the event for the second year,” he said.

“It is always great to be able to catch up with the Norman family on the day and support such a great cause.”

Mr Mitchell said there was great support from the community in trying conditions.

“Even though there were tough seasonal conditions and lack of water, the prices obtained on the day were to clients expectations and sometimes exceeded them,” he said.

“Thank you to clients that donated cattle, staff that gave their time and the Mt Barker Saleyards who waived all fees for the cattle donated.”