The Spirit of the Bush on Showcase 

The rugged beauty and vibrant community spirit of local Australian communities are highlighted in the winning photos of Rural Aid’s Spirit of the Bush competition. 

Now in its fifth year, the Spirit of the Bush photography competition received over 450 entries, which were narrowed down to sixteen winning photographs. Each winning photographer will receive a $250 pre-paid VISA card and have their photos featured in Rural Aid’s 2025 Spirit of the Bush calendar. 

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters noted that the quality of submissions reached new heights this year. 

“It was a challenging task to select the photos for next year’s calendar,” he said. “Australia’s agricultural industry encompasses a diverse array of landscapes, practices, and communities, so it was essential for our calendar to vividly portray these stories and locations.” 

Mr Warlters encouraged the public to support farmers by purchasing the calendar, as all proceeds will go to Rural Aid. 

“By buying this calendar, you’ll not only enjoy 12 months of stunning imagery but also provide much-needed assistance to our mates in the bush,” he said. 

“As Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid stands by our farmers, offering life-changing disaster relief, fodder and water supplies, and mental health services. Our farmers play a crucial role in putting food on our tables, and purchasing a Spirit of the Bush Calendar is a simple way to say thank you.” 

The 2025 Spirit of the Bush Calendar is available for pre-order on Rural Aid’s website at https://shop.ruralaid.org.au/

List of winners: 

First nameLast nameClosest townState
Brenda McCollBarrabaNSW 
Neil KendallBrisbaneQLD 
Tamara WardTincurrinWA
Kellie CraftPittsworthQLD 
Ingrid MakowskiVermont SouthVIC 
Lei’LaniHrubiznaBooubyjanQLD
RichardPoulishBroomeWA 
Paula McIverBarrabaNSW
RoxanneWestonAlphaQLD
Martin CansellGrays PointNSW
SharonWoodsParkesNSW
Anna NunnWooltanaSA
Debbie CristinelliTambellup WA 

About Rural Aid 
Rural Aid is Australia’s most trusted rural charity. We stand with our farmers when they need us most. Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance. Rural Aid’s community programs help create more sustainable communities by building stronger futures for all Australian farmers. Find out more at www.ruralaid.org.au 

For more information or interviews, please contact Rural Aid Media and Communications Officer Daniel Brown on 0447 116 757 or at daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au.