Rural Aid Brings Relief to Eudunda Farmers as Drought Tightens Its Grip
As the prolonged and punishing drought continues to plague South Australia, farming families in the Eudunda region are facing some of the toughest conditions in living memory. With dry paddocks, shrinking water supplies and the emotional weight of ongoing uncertainty, many are stretched to their limits.
To support these families, Rural Aid will deliver a Farm Recovery Event (FRE) in Eudunda from 15 to 21 June 2025, bringing a team of dedicated volunteers to help ease the pressure.
The week-long event will see volunteers assist local farmers with fencing repairs, yard and property maintenance, vegetation clearing and small-scale construction, helping restore safety, function and dignity to farm properties.
“The drought is unrelenting and the pressure on farming families is immense,” said John Warlters, CEO of Rural Aid. “This isn’t just about dry weather—this is about livelihoods, legacies and mental health. Many farmers are doing it tough, quietly and without complaint. We’re here to say: you’re not alone.”
The Farm Recovery Event is one of several Rural Aid initiatives aimed at supporting regional communities weathering the drought. Over the past 12 months, Rural Aid has delivered more than 2.6 million litres of fresh drinking water and 3,100 bales of hay to South Australian farmers, as well as ongoing mental health and financial support.
“Behind every bale of hay and every drop of water is the generosity of donors and partners who believe in supporting our rural communities,” Mr Warlters said. “We are incredibly grateful to those who continue to stand with the bush.”
More than just practical help, the FRE will also provide farmers with something equally important: connection. Volunteers bring not only skills and tools, but also understanding, compassion and a listening ear—small gestures that can have a lasting impact. The benefits of an FRE often ripple beyond the farm itself, strengthening the fabric of rural communities through shared support and solidarity. Past FREs have received heartfelt feedback from farmers who’ve spoken about the relief, encouragement and renewed hope these visits have brought—not just for their work, but for their wellbeing.
How to Support Rural Aid
Australians who want to support farmers can:
- Donate at ruralaid.org.au/donate
- Register to volunteer at future Farm Recovery Events visit ruralaid.org.au/volunteer
“Every act of support—whether it’s a donation, a conversation or a week spent volunteering—helps us continue this vital work,” Mr Warlters said. “Together, we can give farming families the strength to carry on.”
About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, dedicated to providing practical support and vital services to farmers and rural communities. Since its establishment in 2015, the charity has been a lifeline during times of crisis, delivering essential services such as mental health support, hay, domestic water, and community engagement. As the organisation celebrates 10 years of service, it continues to partner with farmers to navigate challenges, recover from hardship, and build stronger, more resilient futures, shaping a brighter future for rural Australia.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au