Aussie Farmers Desperately Needing Water: Rural Aid Responds with Free Water Tanks
Rural Aid is calling for urgent support as overwhelming demand for water tanks grows among drought-affected farmers across Australia.
The charity has seen an unprecedented surge in requests from farmers in desperate need of clean, fresh drinking water. Every six months Rural Aid puts the call out for water tank applications with between 50 to 100 tanks available each round. Over 250 farmers were queued on the Rural Aid website this week waiting for applications to open, hoping to secure one of the free water tanks being offered.
Rural Aid purchases the water tanks and donates them to farmers in need. These tanks provide vital storage for water, enabling farmers to secure a reliable water supply for their families. The demand for these water tanks continues to far exceed what the organisation can supply, and without additional donations, Rural Aid will not be able to provide tanks to all the farmers who are requesting them.
“We are facing a situation where the demand is simply too great for us to meet,” said Rural Aid CEO, Mr. John Warlters. “Over 250 farmers have registered in just a short time, and unfortunately, we can only deliver 90 tanks in this round. These water tanks provide more than just water; they offer farmers the security and peace of mind that they can keep their families safe. The community has been very generous in its support of Rural Aid. Further support via a donation will help Rural Aid to respond to this unprecedent demand.”
Rural Aid has worked tirelessly to source and deliver over 500 water tanks to families in need, with a significant milestone achieved in December 2024 when the 500th tank was delivered to a family in Gilgandra, NSW. However, this relief remains out of reach for many others who are still waiting for assistance.
Rural Aid’s efforts are only made possible through the ongoing generosity of its donors, but with the number of applicants continuing to rise, the need for additional contributions has never been more urgent.
“Our team is doing everything we can to fulfil these requests, but the reality is that we cannot do it alone,” said Mr. Warlters. “We need the help of businesses and individuals to help us bridge the gap. Every donation, big or small, directly contributes to providing and filling more tanks and bringing relief to farmers who are struggling to provide clean water for their families.”
Rural Aid is calling on the public to donate, so the organisation can meet the overwhelming demand for water tanks and continue to provide life-saving support to those who need it most. The next round of water tank applications will open sometime after June, and farmers suffering from potable water shortages who are registered with Rural Aid will be able to apply.
“It is heartbreaking to know that we can’t fulfil every request at this time,” said Mr. Warlters. “But we are committed to doing everything we can to provide this essential resource to as many farmers as possible. We ask for the community’s continued generosity to help us answer the call.”
To make a donation today visit www.ruralaid.org.au
Source: GetRegional.com.au
Farming Ahead
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.