News Archives

Last Chance to Support South Australian Farmers – Christmas Appeal Closing Soon

Posted on 17 December 202420 December 2024

As Rural Aid’s annual Christmas Appeal draws to a close this week, it is the final opportunity to support South Australian farmers who are still grappling with the severe impacts of ongoing drought.

The need for assistance remains critical, with farming families and rural communities continuing to face devastating challenges. Every donation helps provide much-needed relief, from food and water supplies to essential services and support for long-term recovery.

Rural Aid urges Australians to make their contribution before the appeal concludes, ensuring that those in need can receive vital assistance to help them navigate these difficult times.

Funds raised through the Christmas Appeal are providing essential emergency supplies, including fodder for livestock, fresh drinking water for families, and critical mental health services. In 2024 alone, Rural Aid has delivered over 1,500 bales of hay to South Australian farmers, as well as 374,000 litres of fresh drinking water. Recent hay drops have provided much-needed relief to farmers in the Mid-North of South Australia, but the situation remains dire and the need for donations continues.

John Warlters, CEO of Rural Aid, expressed his gratitude for the generosity shown so far. “We are deeply thankful for the response to this year’s Christmas Appeal, but the reality is that the need is still great. Together, we can continue to provide hope and relief during what has been an incredibly difficult year.”

Mr Warlters said every farmer’s journey was unique and support was being directed to multiple states. “In Queensland, this has included delivering hay to bushfire-affected farmers at Forsayth in Etheridge Shire and financial assistance to grain growers at Jandowae who lost crops to severe storms, while in drought-parched western Victoria, Rural Aid continues to offer a ‘hand up’. This week’s heat wave conditions would only add to the hardship for producers where ever they were.”

Leon Hams, a farmer from Canowie Belt in South Australia, shared how Rural Aid’s assistance has been a lifeline. “Rural Aid has provided vital relief, especially with the rising cost of hay. Without their support, I would have had no choice but to heavily destock. This donation has been a huge help, not just for farmers, but for the local communities who depend on agriculture. Thank you to everyone who has donated.”

Mr Hams also urged his fellow farmers to reach out for help. “Don’t try to do this alone. Connect with other farmers, and if you’re in need, register with Rural Aid. There’s support available, and it’s important to ask for it.”

There are only days left to contribute to this vital appeal. To donate and make a real difference, visit: https://buyabale2024.ruralaid.org.au

About Rural Aid
Rural Aid is Australia’s most trusted rural charity. We stand with our farmers when they need us most. Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance. Rural Aid’s community programs help create more sustainable communities by building stronger futures for all Australian farmers. Find out more at www.ruralaid.org.au

For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au

Camm Agricultural partners with Rural Aid to support farmers

Posted on 12 December 202420 December 2024

One of Northern Australia’s most successful and respected beef producing families are throwing their weight behind Rural Aid.

The Camm Agricultural Group is supporting Rural Aid through an exciting initiative that will raise much needed funds for the leading farmer-focused charity.

Rural Aid is well-known for the support it provides farmers and their families before, during and after disaster events, including drought, bushfires and floods.

The national charity works with farming families and their communities to help them recover, rebuild, and thrive in the face of adversity.

The Camm Agricultural Group will donate the proceeds from the sale of 50 custom fed cattle at its Wonga Plains Feedlot at Bowenville on Queensland’s Darling Downs to Rural Aid.

Chief Executive Officer Bryce Camm said the lotfeeding initiative was a “natural extension” of the family’s business and closely aligned with their values.

“As a family we are very aware of the ‘hand up’ that Rural Aid provides through its assistance programs when disaster strikes and similarly the important work of its counsellors – not just during tough times but every day,” Mr Camm said.

The cattle are currently on feed at Wonga Plains where they will remain for approximately 100 days.

The Camm Group turns off about 40,000 cattle annually from its nine properties covering approximately 450,000ha in Southern, Central and North Queensland and recently expanded capacity at Wonga Plains to 21,000.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the innovative partnership was especially welcomed as it coincided with Rural Aid’s 10th anniversary celebrations in 2025.

“Throughout its brief but impactful history, Rural Aid has forged innovation partnerships with generous supporters, and this is another example of doing so,” Mr Warlters said.

“We are very appreciative of the Camm family’s support and hope that other feedlots see this initiative as way that they too can support Rural Aid,” Mr Warlters said.

Funds raised will go towards Rural Aid’s disaster assistance and community building program.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au

Support our Aussie Farmers this Christmas

Posted on 3 December 202420 December 2024

Rural Aid is calling on Australians to provide a much-needed hand up for our struggling farmers this Christmas. Farmers across South Australia, Victoria, and the southern parts of New South Wales are currently enduring a devastating drought and need our help – so to families in Southwest WA who are recovering from their driest start to a cropping season on record.

Donations to Rural Aid’s Christmas Appeal will fund vital emergency food deliveries for livestock, as well as emotional and wellbeing support to help farmers through these challenging times.

“This year has been the worst conditions I’ve ever seen in all my farming life,” said Mr Kerry Modystach, a farmer from Wilmington, South Australia.

“The dams are dry, there’s no feed, and we’ve only managed to get 200 lambs this year when we’d normally have 1200. I’ve had to sell sheep because there’s no feed for them, but now there’s a surplus of sheep because we’re all in the same boat. This drives the prices down, meaning less money in my pocket.”

Mr Modystach continued, “There’s a great deal of financial strain, and it affects you mentally.”

Rural Aid CEO, Mr John Warlters, echoed the concerns of drought-affected farmers and stressed the urgent need for continued drought assistance.

“Farmers in South Australia are struggling silently. For six months, they’ve been facing drought-like conditions that are devastating crops, harming livestock, and putting immense pressure on their livelihoods,” he said.

“In a country as vast as Australia, some crises slip under the radar. While large-scale fires, droughts, and floods grab the headlines, these ‘quiet’ droughts are causing just as much devastation and heartbreak.”

Mr Warlters added, “the time to act is now. A donation to Rural Aid, will fund vital disaster relief, including financial assistance, fodder and water deliveries, and mental health support. Without this help, affected farmers will face continued suffering this Christmas. Let’s give our farmers—who are the backbone of our communities—the support they need this festive season.

Donations to Rural Aid’s Christmas Appeal can be made at https://buyabale2024.ruralaid.org.au.

For more information or interviews, please contact Rural Aid Media and Communications Officer Daniel Brown on 0447 116 757 or at daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au.

Rural Aid Expresses Gratitude for Keno’s $100,000 boost for Aussie Farmers

Posted on 21 November 202421 November 2024

Rural Aid is deeply thankful for the generous funding from Keno to help improve the lives of farming families across Australia.

As an independent charity, Rural Aid relies on the generosity of partners and the public to improve the lives of Australian farmers, their families, and their communities.

Keno’s $100,000 donation will significantly support Rural Aid’s essential services, including financial assistance, disaster relief, and mental health initiatives. We commend Keno for their commitment to funding these vital projects.

Rural Aid is dedicated to supporting the farmers and families who form the backbone of Australia.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters emphasised the impact of Keno’s donation, stating, “Farmers are grappling with the challenges of droughts, storms, and rising living costs. Their struggle goes beyond feeding their own families; it’s about ensuring we all have food on our tables.”

“Rural Aid stands united with our friends in the bush, providing the much-needed support to foster resilient communities,” he said.

“This generous contribution from Keno will greatly enhance our programs and lead to positive outcomes for rural communities across the nation,” Mr. Warlters added.

For more information on the services provided by Rural Aid and how to donate, please visit www.ruralaid.org.au.

For more information or interviews, please contact Rural Aid Media and Communications Officer Daniel Brown on 0447 116 757 or at daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au.

Rural Aid Delivers for Farmers in 2023-24, Providing Vital Support to Rural Communities

Posted on 19 November 202419 November 2024

Rural Aid, Australia’s most trusted rural charity, has once again demonstrated its vital role in supporting the nation’s farmers and rural communities, with the release of its 2023-24 Impact Report. The report highlights a year of significant achievements and continued commitment to helping those facing ongoing challenges in the bush.

In the past financial year, Rural Aid has delivered more than $5 million in vital support to farmers and rural communities, assisting in areas such as food security, water access, mental health, and disaster relief.

Key Highlights from the 2023-24 Impact Report include:

Over $5 million in direct support to farmers and rural communities
Delivery of 6,200 hay bales to assist 364 farmers across drought-affected regions
Provision of 11 million litres of drinking water to communities in need
Installation of 10 hydropanels in rural schools to improve access to clean water
Distribution of 198 domestic water tanks to households and farms
171 volunteers contributing 5,595 hours of service across 44 farms
Support for over 250 disaster-affected families through prepaid Visa cards
Conducted 24 workshops in 6 states, attended by 965 community members
Provided 1,380 free counselling sessions to help those facing mental health challenges
Attended 189 community events to engage and connect with local populations
573 children engaged in the Mustering Growth Program, empowering the next generation

“Rural Aid’s mission is clear – to support our farmers and rural communities through the toughest of times,” said John Warlters, CEO of Rural Aid. “The tenacity of farmers, their families and communities has again been tested this past year. In response, the Rural Aid team, volunteers and donors have come together to provide support that is meaningful and impactful. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there’s still much work to be done.”

Rural Aid’s comprehensive support model includes not only practical assistance like water, food, and equipment, but also ongoing mental health and well-being services, ensuring farmers and rural families have the resources they need to thrive.

“We will continue to stand by our mates in the bush, no matter what challenges the future holds,” Mr Warlters continued. “Our commitment is unwavering, and we are ready to assist our farming communities for years to come.”

How You Can Help:

For farmers in need of support, register at www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided
To donate and help Rural Aid continue its work, visit www.donations.ruralaid.org.au

Rural Aid’s impact continues to grow with the support of its donors, volunteers, and partners. Together, we can ensure that Australian farmers receive the help they need to sustain both their livelihoods and the future of rural Australia.

The full Rural Aid 2023-24 Impact Report is available via this link.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, providing practical support and services to farmers and rural communities. Established in 2015, the charity focuses on drought relief, mental health support, water access, and community engagement. Rural Aid works with farmers to help them recover, rebuild, and thrive in the face of adversity.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au