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. 

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 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  

The Spirit of the Bush on Showcase 

Posted on 11 November 202411 November 2024

The rugged beauty and vibrant community spirit of local Australian communities are highlighted in the winning photos of Rural Aid’s Spirit of the Bush competition. 

Now in its fifth year, the Spirit of the Bush photography competition received over 450 entries, which were narrowed down to sixteen winning photographs. Each winning photographer will receive a $250 pre-paid VISA card and have their photos featured in Rural Aid’s 2025 Spirit of the Bush calendar. 

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters noted that the quality of submissions reached new heights this year. 

“It was a challenging task to select the photos for next year’s calendar,” he said. “Australia’s agricultural industry encompasses a diverse array of landscapes, practices, and communities, so it was essential for our calendar to vividly portray these stories and locations.” 

Mr Warlters encouraged the public to support farmers by purchasing the calendar, as all proceeds will go to Rural Aid. 

“By buying this calendar, you’ll not only enjoy 12 months of stunning imagery but also provide much-needed assistance to our mates in the bush,” he said. 

“As Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid stands by our farmers, offering life-changing disaster relief, fodder and water supplies, and mental health services. Our farmers play a crucial role in putting food on our tables, and purchasing a Spirit of the Bush Calendar is a simple way to say thank you.” 

The 2025 Spirit of the Bush Calendar is available for pre-order on Rural Aid’s website at https://shop.ruralaid.org.au/. 

List of winners: 

First name	Last name	Closest town	State
Brenda	McColl	Barraba	NSW
Neil	Kendall	Brisbane	QLD
Tamara	Ward	Tincurrin	WA
Kellie	Craft	Pittsworth	QLD
Ingrid	Makowski	Vermont South	VIC
Lei’Lani	Hrubizna	Booubyjan	QLD
Richard	Poulish	Broome	WA
Paula	McIver	Barraba	NSW
Roxanne	Weston	Alpha	QLD
Martin	Cansell	Grays Point	NSW
Sharon	Woods	Parkes	NSW
Anna	Nunn	Wooltana	SA
Debbie	Cristinelli	Tambellup	WA

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 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.

Supporting Kids’ Resilience in Northern Rivers: Mustering Growth Program Continues 

Posted on 22 October 202422 October 2024

Northern Rivers, NSW 

Rural Aid is thrilled to announce the continuation of the ‘Mustering Growth’ program, a focused initiative designed to enhance the wellbeing and resilience of primary students in regional and rural Australia. Over the next two months, the program will expand to two additional schools, Modanville Public School and Channon Public School, bringing the total to 15 schools that have benefited from this impactful rollout. 

Comprising five sessions, the program aims to bolster resilience, improve mental health, and foster personal growth among rural schoolchildren. It equips students with essential tools and strategies to manage the unique pressures of rural life, particularly as they face challenges like recovery from natural disasters. 

In recent years, the Northern Rivers region has experienced catastrophic floods and ‘Mustering Growth’ represents a vital step toward providing the support and resources needed for long-term wellbeing and sustainable development. 

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters remarked, “The ‘Mustering Growth’ program reflects our broader commitment to helping rural communities thrive, not just survive. By tackling the economic and mental health challenges our farmers face, we aim to empower them with the knowledge and support necessary for success.” 

Since 2023, Rural Aid has delivered Mustering Growth to almost 800 students, not just in the Northern Rivers, but across the country. 

Mr Warlters said the program had been embraced by students and teachers alike and Rural Aid was now being asked to return to schools to deliver the program to the next cohort of kids. “That invitation to return to schools and equip another group of kids with important life skills that will help set them up for the future is a wonderful validation of Mustering Growth,” Mr Warlters said. 

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 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 and Erebus Join Forces to Support Australian Farmers at Bathurst 1000

Posted on 10 October 202410 October 2024

rebus Motorsport Camaros will proudly showcase Rural Aid branding as they take to the Mountain this weekend to raise awareness of the challenges facing Australian farmers.

Founded in 2015, Rural Aid provides vital support to farmers before, during, and after natural disasters. Offering services like counselling, water deliveries, fodder for livestock, and financial assistance, Rural Aid plays a key role in helping farmers and rural communities remain resilient. With climate events becoming more frequent, the need for Rural Aid’s services continues to grow.

Erebus owner Betty Klimenko said since becoming part of a rural community herself she had seen just how hard it is for farmers to stay afloat. 

“It’s heartbreaking to know that some families are being forced to leave properties that have been in their name for generations. Every farming family we lose is another scar on our land,” Betty said.

“These are the people who produce our food, and if we don’t support them, we risk losing something essential. Every time we choose to buy imported food, it’s money that doesn’t go back into the pockets of Australian farmers. 

“It’s not just about keeping farms in business; it’s about ensuring that future generations can continue to grow food here in Australia. If we don’t support our own farmers, what happens when they’re gone?”

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said since Rural Aid’s inception it has supported nearly 18,000 farmers through some of the toughest years in recent history. The $50,000 donation from Erebus would help to continue that vital work.

“The support from Erebus Motorsport, Betty and Daniel will allow Rural Aid to assist even more farmers. Whether it’s providing emergency drinking water, fodder, or a chat with one of our counsellors, these services are in high demand. The challenges keep coming for our farming families, and with this partnership, we can be there when they need us the most. 

Erebus owner Betty Klimenko has witnessed firsthand the difficulties farmers face since becoming part of a rural community.” 

Through its partnership with Rural Aid, Erebus Motorsport aims to rally fans and the public to support Australia’s farming communities at one of the country’s most-watched motorsport events, the Bathurst 1000.

For more information on how to support Australian farmers, visit www.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 

Source:
Speedcafe – https://speedcafe.com/erebus-makes-50k-donation-kilmenko-bathurst-1000/
Autoaction – https://autoaction.com.au/2024/10/10/erebus-backing-the-farmers