News Archives

Rural Aid’s 2024/25 Impact Report Reveals Growing Need and Enduring Commitment to Rural Australia

Posted on 26 November 202526 November 2025

Rural Aid has released its 2024/25 Impact Report, revealing a year where practical assistance, mental health and wellbeing and community-led recovery helped thousands of farming families withstand worsening pressures across rural Australia.

Rural Aid has seen new registrations of farming families double compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing strain on rural households. Registrations surged in drought affected South Australia and Victoria, where farming families faced deepening feed shortages, falling water supplies and mounting financial stress.

Throughout the year, Rural Aid provided vital, practical assistance that helped stabilise farming families during adversity protecting their wellbeing and livelihoods. This included:

Nearly 1,500 farming families supported, with 28% of those accessing more than one type of assistance
Almost 10,000 hay bales delivered to help farmers keep stock alive and reduce the emotional and financial burden of destocking.
170 water tanks deliveries and nearly 12 million litres of household water giving families reliable access to safe water. A basic need that becomes precarious during prolonged dry conditions.
Financial assistance provided to more than 530 farming families, easing immediate pressures so farmers can stay on their land and continue operations.
145 volunteers contributing over 5,500 hours across 35 farms, reducing isolation and helping farmers complete work that would otherwise be impossible under stress.

Beyond practical aid, Rural Aid’s support extends to the heart of rural life, helping families, schools and communities strengthen wellbeing and resilience. This year, nearly 2,000 free counselling sessions were delivered to farmers and their families navigating natural disasters, anxiety, financial uncertainty and cumulative stress. While the Mustering Growth schools program equipped nine schools with tools to build mental resilience in children, helping secure the wellbeing of the next generation of rural Australia.

Through its community development program, Rural Aid worked alongside 15 towns to deliver locally led projects that enhance liveability, create stronger connections, and support long-term recovery.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the results reflected the organisation’s holistic approach to supporting rural Australia.

“Rural Aid is there for farmers and their communities before, during and after natural disasters,” Mr Warlters said. “Our work goes beyond immediate relief, it’s about standing alongside our farmers to help them prepare, recover and rebuild.”

This year, Rural Aid supported communities impacted by the Western Queensland floods, the ongoing South Australian drought, and flooding across the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, ensuring families received immediate assistance and long-term recovery support.

“Rural Aid’s mission is to stand with farmers in every part of their journey before, during and after disasters” Mr Warlters said. “Their wellbeing, their livelihoods and their communities remain at the heart of everything we do.”

With the ongoing commitment of our partners and supporters, Rural Aid can continue to grow its reach and impact, ensuring farming families across the country have access to practical help, emotional care and community connection when they need it most.

Together, we can ensure farmers and rural communities receive the support they need when it matters most. Right now, you can Buy a Bale or Fill a Tank to help farming families through summer. Donate today at www.buyabale.ruralaid.org.au.

The Rural Aid 2024/25 Impact Report forms part of Rural Aid’s Annual Report, available at www.ruralaid.org.au/annual-reports/2024-2025/.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, committed to supporting farmers and rural communities through good times and tough. Since 2015, Rural Aid has been a vital lifeline in times of hardship, delivering practical assistance such as mental health counselling, hay, drinking water, and community connection initiatives. Now celebrating 10 years of service, the organisation continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with rural Australians, helping them overcome hardship, build resilience, and create stronger, more sustainable futures.

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

Rural Aid Appoints Jess Webb as New Board Member

Posted on 24 November 202524 November 2025

Rural Aid is pleased to announce the appointment of Jess Webb to its Board of Directors. Ms Webb brings extensive experience in agribusiness, governance, and rural community development, further strengthening Rural Aid’s commitment to supporting Australian farming communities.

Ms Webb has served on several for-purpose and non-profit boards, including Beef Australia, where she is Vice-Chair, and The Armidale School Foundation, where she contributes to fundraising and strategic growth initiatives.

With a background in communications and strategy in agribusiness, and hands-on experience operating an Angus beef cattle enterprise in the New England region, Ms Webb has a deep understanding of the issues facing rural and regional Australia.

“As producers, we live and breathe the realities facing rural communities, be it in the paddock or at the kitchen table. That experience grounds me, but it also drives my determination to ensure our voices are heard, not only when disaster strikes, but in the quieter times too,” Ms Webb said.

“Ensuring our rural industries remain relevant beyond crisis is what builds true resilience and sustainability for the long term.”

Ms Webb joins an experienced board of directors with strong connections across the agricultural and corporate sectors. The board comprises:

Alex Hutton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mackay’s, Australia’s leading banana growers
Barrie Adams, Deputy Chairman and former Commissioner of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission
Trent Thorne, Partner at Hamilton Locke and Co-Lead of its Food and Agribusiness Group
Erica Halliday, Immediate Past President of Angus Australia and co-owner of Ben Nevis Stud, Walcha
Ben Pevreall, Regional Vice-President, Asia and Pacific, at Valmont Industries
Andrew Hall, Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Council of Australia
Luke Chandler, Managing Director for John Deere Australia and New Zealand
Jess Webb, Vice-Chair of the Beef Australia Board of Directors

Rural Aid Chairman Alex Hutton welcomed the appointment, saying:

“Jess brings a blend of leadership experience, industry knowledge, and practical farming insight. Her perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to deliver programs that provide real support to Australian farmers when they need it most.”

Ms Webb’s appointment reflects Rural Aid’s ongoing commitment to strong governance and ensuring the organisation is guided by leaders with both professional expertise and a deep understanding of rural Australia.

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

Celebrating Australian Farmers this National Agriculture Day

Posted on 20 November 202520 November 2025

Rural Aid is proudly celebrating National Agriculture Day on Friday 21 November, as an opportunity to thank the people who grow our food and nurture the land that sustains us all.

From the grain belts to the cattle country and everywhere in between, farmers are the backbone of the nation, producing the food and fibre that feeds and clothes families across Australia and around the world.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said that behind every harvest and herd are farmers facing challenges such as drought, floods, fires, rising costs, and the everyday pressures of life on the land.

“Every day we see the heart, determination and resilience of those who work the land,” Mr Warlters said. “National Agriculture Day is a chance to acknowledge their incredible contribution to the country, and to remind Australians that standing with farmers is vital to sustaining our communities and economy.”

Agriculture is a major contributor to Australia’s prosperity. In 2024–25, the sector is set to be valued at a record $101.6 billion, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. In 2023-24, agriculture generated 10.8 per cent of goods and services exports, valued at $71.5 billion, contributed 2.4 per cent of national gross domestic product, and employed more than 315,000 people, equating to 5.9% of rural employment.

Rural Aid provides practical support to farmers, including hay and water deliveries, financial assistance, volunteer programs, counselling, and long term community initiatives. Initiatives such as Buy A Bale enable all Australians to show their support and help farming families when they need it most.

“Farmers show up for us rain, hail or shine,” Mr Warlters said. “At Rural Aid, we are proud to stand beside them and help shoulder the burden when life on the land becomes tough.”

“Rural Aid is calling on Australians to ‘Buy a Bale or Fill a Tank’ this National Agriculture Day to help deliver essential support farming families desperately need.”

“Every dollar makes a real difference,” Mr Warlters said. “If you can, please give hope to the farming families who provide our food and fibre. Help us deliver hay, water and counselling to those who need it most.”

To donate or learn more, visit www.buyabale.ruralaid.org.au.

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

Rural Aid calls for urgent support as drought tightens its grip

Posted on 17 November 202517 November 2025

As drought continues to devastate South Australia, Western Victoria and Southwest New South Wales, Rural Aid is asking Australians to take action now to help farming families hold on to their livelihoods and hope this Christmas.

South Australia is facing record-low rainfall and a grain harvest for 2024–25 about 40 per cent below the five-year average. Livestock feed is running short, water is scarce, and many families are struggling to keep their farms and communities alive.

Rural Aid CEO, Mr John Warlters, said the call for help has never been more critical.

“Farmers shouldn’t have to choose between feeding their livestock and feeding themselves. Every donation helps deliver hay for livestock, clean drinking water, financial assistance, and on-farm counselling,” Mr Warlters said.

“Through Rural Aid, Australians can provide real, practical support that keeps farming families going, builds community strength, and restores hope.”

Rural Aid’s support is practical and life-changing;

Hay deliveries for livestock
Fresh, clean water for drinking and domestic use
Financial assistance to cover urgent farm and household expenses
Community development programs to keep rural towns connected
On-farm counselling from Rural Aid’s qualified mental health professionals

‘Knowing people are thinking of us has meant the world’

For Dale Hilda, a fourth-generation Merino sheep farmer near Quorn, South Australia, the drought has tested every aspect of life on the land.

“Farming here is more than a lifestyle — it’s home, and it means everything to our family. The next generations want to stay on the property too.”

“We’ve had only 98 millimetres of rain this year. Feed is short and won’t last through summer. We’ll need to lighten our flock soon and just keep the breeders and lambs,” said Mr Hilda.

“Rural Aid has made a huge difference. The hay drop kept our sheep fed, and the counsellor visits lift our spirits. Knowing people are thinking of us has meant the world.”

This Christmas, help farmers hold onto hope.

Rural Aid is calling on Australians to ‘Buy a Bay or Fill a Tank’ this Christmas to help deliver essential support farming families desperately need.

“Every dollar makes a real difference,” Mr Warlters said. “If you can, please give hope to the farming families who provide our food and fibre this Christmas. Help us deliver hay, water and counselling to those who need it most.”

To donate or learn more, visit www.buyabale.ruralaid.org.au.

Media Note:

Rural Aid welcomes media outlets interested in developing feature stories on the worsening drought and our Buy a Bale 2025 Christmas Appeal. We can coordinate on-site farm visits, facilitate exclusive interviews with farmers and Rural Aid counsellors, and provide access to our relief efforts across South Australia, western Victoria, and south-west New South Wales. To organise coverage or discuss story opportunities, please contact me on 0447 116 757 or daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au.

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

Rural Aid to Deliver Final Farm Recovery Event for 2025 in Peak Hill

Posted on 23 October 202523 October 2025

Rural Aid will host its final Farm Recovery Event (FRE) for 2025 in Peak Hill, New South Wales, with a team of volunteers set to deliver practical support and community care to the Central West farming town.

From 26 October to 1 November, 35 Rural Aid volunteers will work across seven local farms, helping with essential jobs such as fencing repairs, property maintenance, vegetation clearing and small-scale construction projects.

In addition to helping farmers, Rural Aid will also carry out improvement works at several local community spaces, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to whole-of-community recovery and resilience.

Located between Parkes and Dubbo, Peak Hill is a small town with a proud agricultural past — once known for gold and home to Australia’s first public wheat silo. But like many rural communities, Peak Hill has faced its share of hardship. When the 2022 floods swept through, they left a trail of destruction: fences flattened, sheds destroyed, and paddocks rendered unworkable.

Nearly three years on, many farmers are still quietly rebuilding.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the Peak Hill event was an opportunity to provide meaningful, hands-on support to farmers and residents who have been quietly working through long recovery processes.

“The people of Peak Hill have shown incredible resilience,” Mr Warlters said. “But there are still important jobs left to do, and we know that a helping hand can go a long way, not just in completing physical work, but in lifting spirits and renewing connections.”

Rural Aid has maintained a strong relationship with Peak Hill producers since 2022, delivering financial assistance, hay and mental health support in the aftermath of the floods. In a recent conversation, a local farmer shared that while progress has been made, many in the community are still facing tough conditions and that a coordinated volunteer effort could make a meaningful difference.

That insight prompted Rural Aid to mobilise its final Farm Recovery Event for 2025.

“When that call came through, it reminded us how valuable these events can be,” Mr Warlters said.

“This is not just about fixing fences — it’s about supporting people, families, and communities who are proud, capable and deeply committed to the land.”

The week-long event will also focus on strengthening social connection and improving shared spaces, which are central to community life in rural towns.

“These events are about more than the physical work,” Mr Warlters said. “They’re a reminder that no matter how remote a community might feel, they’re not doing it alone.”

The Peak Hill FRE marks the final Rural Aid recovery event for 2025 and is part of the charity’s broader mission to support rural resilience across Australia.

Rural Aid’s Mental Health and Wellbeing team will continue to work with the Peak Hill community beyond the event, providing a safe and supportive space for producers to seek help and share their stories.

Media Note:

Rural Aid representatives will be available on the ground in Peak Hill for interviews during the event. Interviews with participating farmers and volunteers can also be arranged upon request.

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