Record number of volunteers lend a hand to Chinchilla farmers
A record number of volunteers will lend a hand to Chinchilla farmers next week, as Rural Aid brings together its largest volunteer turnout for a Farm Recovery Event to stand alongside farming families recovering from recent disasters.
From 19 to 25 July, 45 volunteers, including 15 first-time volunteers and 41 corporate volunteers, will roll up their sleeves at nine farms across the Chinchilla region in Queensland, providing practical support to farming families where it is needed most.
The event comes as local farmers continue to recover from the impacts of severe flooding in March this year and bushfires in 2023. Through hands-on assistance, Rural Aid volunteers will help farmers tackle important recovery work, easing some of the pressure faced by farming families during challenging times.
Rural Aid CEO John Walters said Farm Recovery Events provide more than just practical help, creating opportunities for connection, encouragement and community at a time when many farming families are navigating the long road to recovery.
“The jobs we help farmers complete are important, but what we often hear from farmers is that knowing people care and are willing to stand beside them means just as much,” Mr Walters said.
“Recovery after a disaster is about more than rebuilding fences or repairing infrastructure. It is about helping farming families move forward, restoring confidence and reminding them they have a community behind them.”
“Rural communities are built on people helping each other, and Rural Aid’s Farm Recovery Events bring that spirit of mateship to life. They create moments of connection that can make a real difference for farming families.”
“The record number of volunteers joining us in Chinchilla is a clear reflection of Australians from all walks of life wanting to support our farmers. Whether they live in regional communities or our cities, people understand the important role farmers play and are eager to lend a hand when it matters most.”
This Farm Recovery Event also marks the beginning of Rural Aid’s new partnership with Allianz Australia, as part of its Allianz Community Care program. The program brings together Allianz’s partnerships under one shared mission: to strengthen community resilience by building mental wellbeing and social connection while supporting the long-term recovery of communities impacted by natural disasters.
Libby Davidson, Chief General Manager Corporate Affairs and Governance, Allianz Australia, said: “The Chinchilla Farm Recovery Event is a powerful demonstration of what the Allianz Community Care program stands for. With 34 Allianz employees volunteering we’re united in our commitment to helping communities recover, rebuild, and thrive.”
The Chinchilla Farm Recovery Event highlights the power of volunteers, corporate partners and communities coming together to support Australian farmers through challenging times.
Australians wanting to lend a hand at upcoming Rural Aid Farm Recovery Events in Mutchilba/Dimbulah, Queensland (23 to 28 August) or Kempsey, New South Wales (18 to 23 October) can register 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