National Volunteer Week: Rural Aid Calls on Australians to Make It “Your Year to Volunteer”
Rural Aid is encouraging Australians to get involved during National Volunteer Week (18–24 May 2026), highlighting opportunities to support farming communities through its Farm Recovery Events across regional Australia.
Under this year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer”, Rural Aid is calling on individuals, community groups and workplaces to take part in practical on-farm recovery work supporting farmers impacted by during drought, fire, flood and other disasters.
Loxton Farm Recovery Event (31 May – 5 June)
Volunteers are needed for the next Farm Recovery Event, taking place in Loxton, South Australia from 31 May to 5 June 2026.
The event will provide targeted support in the Riverland region as ongoing drought continues to place pressure on farm viability, livestock management and the mental wellbeing of farming families.
Volunteers assist with fencing, repairs, property clean-ups and general farm recovery work, helping restore essential infrastructure and ease pressure on farming families.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said volunteer support is central to long-term recovery.
“Recovery in farming communities takes time, and volunteer support makes a real difference on the ground,” Mr Warlters said.
“It helps ease pressure on farmers and supports them as they rebuild after difficult seasons.”
Farmer impact
Tim Kemp, a citrus farmer on the NSW Central Coast, said volunteer support has made a significant difference during recovery efforts.
“Rural Aid volunteers have done what would normally take us weeks in just a couple of days,” he said.
“It’s a huge help. It takes pressure off us and allows us to focus on rebuilding and moving the farm forward.”
Volunteer experience
First-time volunteer Jesse Hyatt said the experience highlighted the importance of supporting farming communities.
“It’s an awesome opportunity to help those farmers in rural areas affected by all sorts of ongoing challenges that still haven’t recovered, no matter how many years ago they were,” he said.
“It’s been wonderful hearing the stories from the farmers and working with a bunch of good people all with the same goal.”
“I’d definitely do it again. It’s been worthwhile.”
He said the biggest impact was seeing the difference volunteers can make.
“It really takes the pressure off farmers and shows they’re not on their own.”
Other Farm Recovery Events in 2026
Additional Farm Recovery Events are planned across the year:
- 19–25 July – North Queensland (TBC): Supporting remote communities impacted by monsoonal flooding and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji
- 23–28 August – TBC
- 18–23 October – TBC
Final locations will be confirmed by 30 June 2026.
Call for volunteers
Rural Aid encourages Australians to take part in Farm Recovery Events during National Volunteer Week and throughout 2026.
No farming experience is required, and all training, tools and support are provided on-site.
Join a Farm Recovery Event and make it “Your Year to Volunteer” at www.ruralaid.org.au/volunteers.
About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Rural Aid delivers practical assistance during drought, fire, flood and other disasters, helping farming families stay on the land and protect their livelihoods. Through disaster relief, mental health support and community development programs, Rural Aid works with partners, supporters and volunteers to strengthen rural communities and ensure farmers have the support they need to recover, rebuild and remain connected.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au