Rural Aid launches triple-match giving appeal as drought pressure intensifies
Rural Aid is urging Australians to stand with farming families facing worsening drought conditions, with a limited-time opportunity to triple the impact of donations before 30 June.
Demand for assistance continues to grow across drought-affected regions of New South Wales and southern Queensland, with Rural Aid reporting significant increases in requests for hay, water and financial support as dry conditions tighten their grip on rural communities.
Recent data from Rural Shows shows demand for hay assistance has increased by more than 500 per cent, financial assistance requests by more than 200 per cent, and water deliveries by more than 70 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Many farming families are now facing the combined pressures of prolonged drought, rising operating costs and dwindling feed and water supplies, placing significant strain on both farm businesses and family wellbeing.
From today, donations to Rural Aid will be tripled, with every $1 donated matched by an additional $2 through a dedicated fund until exhausted. The initiative is supported by the Lacetree Family Trust, MCC Group and other donors, creating a $250,000 matching pool to encourage Australians to support farmers doing it tough.
Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the appeal comes at a critical time for many farming families.
“While drought doesn’t always dominate the headlines, the reality on the ground is becoming increasingly difficult for many farming communities,” Mr Warlters said.
Fourth-generation dairy farmer Jason Cousins near Singleton said ongoing drought conditions are placing severe pressure on feed supplies, livestock, and farm viability, with hay becoming increasingly difficult to source and winter reserves already being used.
“It’s extremely dry at the moment… it just keeps ramping up,” he said. “It causes a great deal of stress… it just makes you wonder what’s going to happen next.”
“We’re hand feeding cattle… they’re reliant on hay. If they stay out here they lose condition. Hay is getting scarce… it’s not available everywhere,” he said.
“It’s going to be make or break for a lot… everyone’s struggling, everyone’s offloading.”
Australians can significantly increase the impact of their donation during the matching period, with $50 becoming $150 and $100 becoming $300, helping provide hay, water, financial relief and counselling support to farming families.
Mr Warlters said the appeal is about more than practical assistance.
“It’s also about hope. Knowing that people across Australia are standing behind them can make a real difference to farming families facing incredibly difficult circumstances.”
Donations can be made at www.taxtime.ruralaid.org.au.
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