Rural Aid calls for urgent support as drought tightens its grip
As drought continues to devastate South Australia, Western Victoria and Southwest New South Wales, Rural Aid is asking Australians to take action now to help farming families hold on to their livelihoods and hope this Christmas.
South Australia is facing record-low rainfall and a grain harvest for 2024–25 about 40 per cent below the five-year average. Livestock feed is running short, water is scarce, and many families are struggling to keep their farms and communities alive.
Rural Aid CEO, Mr John Warlters, said the call for help has never been more critical.
“Farmers shouldn’t have to choose between feeding their livestock and feeding themselves. Every donation helps deliver hay for livestock, clean drinking water, financial assistance, and on-farm counselling,” Mr Warlters said.
“Through Rural Aid, Australians can provide real, practical support that keeps farming families going, builds community strength, and restores hope.”
Rural Aid’s support is practical and life-changing;
- Hay deliveries for livestock
- Fresh, clean water for drinking and domestic use
- Financial assistance to cover urgent farm and household expenses
- Community development programs to keep rural towns connected
- On-farm counselling from Rural Aid’s qualified mental health professionals
‘Knowing people are thinking of us has meant the world’
For Dale Hilda, a fourth-generation Merino sheep farmer near Quorn, South Australia, the drought has tested every aspect of life on the land.
“Farming here is more than a lifestyle — it’s home, and it means everything to our family. The next generations want to stay on the property too.”
“We’ve had only 98 millimetres of rain this year. Feed is short and won’t last through summer. We’ll need to lighten our flock soon and just keep the breeders and lambs,” said Mr Hilda.
“Rural Aid has made a huge difference. The hay drop kept our sheep fed, and the counsellor visits lift our spirits. Knowing people are thinking of us has meant the world.”
This Christmas, help farmers hold onto hope.
Rural Aid is calling on Australians to ‘Buy a Bay or Fill a Tank’ this Christmas to help deliver essential support farming families desperately need.
“Every dollar makes a real difference,” Mr Warlters said. “If you can, please give hope to the farming families who provide our food and fibre this Christmas. Help us deliver hay, water and counselling to those who need it most.”
To donate or learn more, visit www.buyabale.ruralaid.org.au.
Media Note:
Rural Aid welcomes media outlets interested in developing feature stories on the worsening drought and our Buy a Bale 2025 Christmas Appeal. We can coordinate on-site farm visits, facilitate exclusive interviews with farmers and Rural Aid counsellors, and provide access to our relief efforts across South Australia, western Victoria, and south-west New South Wales. To organise coverage or discuss story opportunities, please contact me on 0447 116 757 or daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au.
About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, committed to supporting farmers and rural communities through good times and tough. Since 2015, Rural Aid has been a vital lifeline in times of hardship, delivering practical assistance such as mental health counselling, hay, drinking water, and community connection initiatives. Now celebrating 10 years of service, the organisation continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with rural Australians, helping them overcome hardship, build resilience, and create stronger, more sustainable futures.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au