Category: News

Rural Aid: Supporting South Australian Farmers through Drought and Beyond

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Rural Aid, Australia’s leading rural charity, is dedicated to providing essential support to South Australian farmers impacted by drought. Farmers are encouraged to register for assistance as the charity continues to offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help during these challenging times. These services go beyond hay deliveries, encompassing domestic water, mental health support, financial aid, and more.

Supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), Rural Aid is ensuring that hay reaches those who need it as efficiently as possible. PIRSA is subsidising transport costs for charitable organisations delivering hay right now as part of the $18million new drought support package announced on 26 November 2024, helping us to deliver essential hay to farmers, with resources sourced locally to strengthen the farming community.
 
The Hon. Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and Minister for Forest Industries, said, “The State Government is proud to support charities such as Rural Aid to help deliver much needed fodder to South Australian farmers across the state who are dealing with some of the driest conditions on record.
 
As part of our $18 million drought support package, the State Government allocated $2 million to assist charities with the freight costs of transporting fodder to assist farmers with feeding livestock.
 
This has seen hundreds of truckloads of hay reach primary producers across the state, providing some immediate relief as we navigate these challenging times.
 
I thank Rural Aid and their volunteers for their hard work and dedication.”
 
As part of the State Government’s drought support package, Rural Aid will receive $125,000 to assist with transporting hay to drought affected South Australian farmers.
 
Rural Aid CEO, Mr John Warlters, said, “We are committed to providing the support farmers need across South Australia. Through our collaboration with PIRSA, we can continue to deliver crucial support efficiently, ensuring that those facing the impacts of drought have the assistance required to cope with these tough times.”
 
Since July 2024, Rural Aid has delivered over 1,600 bales of hay—approximately 1,000+ tonnes—to more than 100 farmers in drought-affected regions including Worlds End, Carrieton, Peterborough, Quorn, and beyond. This ongoing effort is part of a broader commitment to provide meaningful relief and assistance to those facing the harsh realities of drought.
 
Rural Aid offers a variety of services to assist farmers:

  • Hay Deliveries: Our hay deliveries are more than just a service—they’re a chance to connect. We share cuppas, catch-ups, and offer support, always ready to listen and help.
  • Water Deliveries: Access to water is crucial, and we’re here to provide long-term solutions. Our deliveries ensure farmers have what they need to keep going, offering a sense of security during tough times.
  • Mental Health & Wellbeing Support: Farmers carry a heavy load, and sometimes, a conversation is all it takes to make a difference. Our counsellors provide a safe space for farmers to talk, share their struggles, and find support when it’s needed most.
  • Financial Assistance: Our prepaid Visa cards help ease immediate pressures, giving farmers access to hay, supplies, and essentials so they can focus on the future.

Through its Community Development Programs, Rural Aid is also working alongside South Australian communities to build resilience, with community development activities underway in William Creek, Crystal Brook, Gladstone, Eudunda, and Orroroo – because strong farms and strong communities go hand in hand.

Mr Warlters added, “Our services are designed to provide holistic support to farmers, from immediate practical needs like water and hay to mental health assistance that helps farmers cope with the emotional challenges of drought. We’re proud to be working alongside PIRSA and other partners to ensure vital assistance reaches the communities that need it most.”

The collaboration with PIRSA ensures that these critical services continue to reach those in need. Farmers are encouraged to register for assistance today to access these valuable resources. Together, the goal is to ensure that no farmer has to face the challenges of drought alone.
 
If you’re a farmer register with Rural Aid to access support, visit https://faa.ruralaid.org.au/.
 
Rural Aid relies on the generosity of the public to continue to provide vital support for farmers and their families. You can help make a difference, please donate today at https://matesday.ruralaid.org.au/. 

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, dedicated to providing practical support and vital services to farmers and rural communities. Since its establishment in 2015, the charity has been a lifeline during times of crisis, delivering essential services such as mental health support, hay, domestic water, and community engagement. As the organisation celebrates 10 years of service, it continues to partner with farmers to navigate challenges, recover from hardship, and build stronger, more resilient futures, shaping a brighter future for rural Australia.

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

Rural Aid Launches Mates Day Campaign: Help Aussie Farmers in Need

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Rural Aid is proud to announce the launch of its annual Mates Day Campaign, running from Monday, 17th February to Wednesday, 19th March. This year, the charity is aiming to raise $500,000 to support Aussie farmers in their time of need. The funds raised will go towards vital programs that provide financial aid, hay, clean drinking water, practical on-farm volunteer assistance, and mental health services for disaster-affected farming communities.

After years of relentless hardship—fires, floods, droughts, and plagues—our farmers continue to battle the devastating, ongoing effects of these crises. Many are struggling to recover, and Rural Aid is asking all Australians to lend a hand to help rebuild farms, restore hope, and renew strength in the bush.

“Australia’s farmers go through so much to put food on our tables, often battling extreme weather conditions to produce the best produce in the world. Their resilience is truly remarkable. Every plate of food tells a story—one shaped by perseverance, hope, and hard work,” said Rural Aid CEO, Mr. John Warlters.

This Mates Day, Rural Aid is calling on Australians to donate to help provide vital assistance such as farm recovery events. These events are crucial in helping farmers rebuild their livelihoods and get back on their feet after the devastating impact of recent disasters.

Farm recovery events involve up to 30 volunteers spending a week in a disaster affected community to provide hands-on assistance for farms in the area. They go beyond rebuilding farms—they rebuild communities. They unite people from all walks of life in a powerful show of solidarity. They remind our farmers, who work tirelessly to feed and clothe the nation, that they are deeply valued and cared for.

The recovery events offer practical, on-the-ground support helping farmers complete up to five years of work, in just a few days. Your contribution can make a vital difference by providing farmers with the resources they need to rebuild their futures.

“The resilience of our farmers is extraordinary. Rural Aid is here to ensure they don’t have to face these challenges alone,” said Mr. Warlters. “We are incredibly grateful to all those who give, no matter how big or small. Your support ensures farmers can rebuild and recover when natural disasters strike.

Make a difference this Mates Day—donate today and help ensure Australia’s farmers continue to thrive. Donations can be made at https://matesday.ruralaid.org.au/.

Together, we can help our farmers and rural communities rebuild after natural disasters.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, dedicated to providing practical support and vital services to farmers and rural communities. Since its establishment in 2015, the charity has been a lifeline during times of crisis, delivering essential services such as mental health support, hay, domestic water, and community engagement. As the organisation celebrates 10 years of service, it continues to partner with farmers to navigate challenges, recover from hardship, and build stronger, more resilient futures, shaping a brighter future for rural Australia.

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

Rural Aid’s 10-year milestone receives a welcome boost

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2025 marks a significant milestone for Rural Aid as it celebrates its 10th anniversary—and the occasion is set to be even more special with the support of the Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association Ltd (ALPA), which has named Rural Aid as its official charity partner for the year.

ALPA CEO Peter Baldwin said the decision to support Rural Aid was unanimous.

“The ALPA Board had no hesitation in selecting Rural Aid as our charity partner for 2025. Rural Aid’s mission aligns perfectly with our profession, our families, our staff, our clients, and the rural communities we serve across Australia. We share a vision of safeguarding rural communities, livestock, pasture, water, and crops before, during, and after natural disasters. We are proud to support this vital organisation that stands by rural Australians in their time of need.”

With deep roots in the agricultural sector, ALPA and Rural Aid are both deeply embedded in the daily lives of producers across the country. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters emphasised the natural synergy between the two organisations.

“At Rural Aid, we provide a crucial ‘hand up’ to those doing it tough. We understand that ALPA members are more than just agents—they often find themselves in the same challenging conversations as we do, supporting farmers through difficult times.”

The generosity of ALPA members towards Rural Aid will directly impact farmers, their families, and communities, offering crucial assistance before, during, and after disasters such as droughts, bushfires, and floods. Right now, Rural Aid is actively supporting drought-affected producers in South Australia, with assistance expected to continue for months based on Bureau of Meteorology forecasts, and in stark contrast families recovering from North Queensland’s devastating floods.

As part of its commitment, ALPA will host three Charity Auctions at its prestigious Young Auctioneers Dinners in Sydney, Brisbane, and Victoria/South Australia. Preparations are already underway for the 2025 ALPA National and New South Wales Young Auctioneers Dinner, set to take place at Dockside, Darling Harbour, on Thursday, 10 April.

For more information on Rural Aid’s work and how to support its initiatives, visit https://www.ruralaid.org.au/

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, dedicated to providing practical support and vital services to farmers and rural communities. Since its establishment in 2015, the charity has been a lifeline during times of crisis, providing mental health support, hay, domestic water and community engagement. Rural Aid partners with farmers to help them navigate challenges, recover from hardship, and build stronger, more resilient futures.

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

Luke Chandler Joins Rural Aid’s Board of Directors

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Rural Aid, Australia’s leading charity dedicated to supporting the agricultural community, is pleased to announce the appointment of Luke Chandler to its Board of Directors. Mr Chandler brings more than 25 years of international experience in the agribusiness sector, having worked across three continents with leading agricultural companies.

Mr Chandler currently serves as the Managing Director for John Deere Australia & New Zealand, where he is focused on bringing new technologies and innovative solutions to Australian & New Zealand farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency now and into the future. Prior to this role, Mr Chandler spent several years living in the United States, where he served as John Deere’s global Chief Economist.

“Rural Aid plays a crucial role in ensuring the resilience of Australia’s agricultural sector through a range of services that support farmers when they need it most, and I am honoured to be joining the Board of Directors,” Mr Chandler said. “Throughout my career I have been fortunate to have developed a blend of both global strategic experience and hands-on operational leadership, and I am looking forward to working alongside my fellow Directors and the Rural Aid team to add value to the organisation’s future direction across rural and regional Australia.”

Rural Aid chairman Alex Hutton welcomed the appointment of Mr Chandler to the Rural Aid Board, noting his ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry leaders, government and farmers, will be key in advancing the goals of Rural Aid and the broader agricultural sector.

“Mr Chandler’s extensive leadership experience, combined with his deep understanding of the agricultural sector, will be an asset to our organisation,” Mr Hutton said.

“We are confident that his strategic vision and governance expertise will help us navigate the evolving landscape of Australian agriculture and ensure that Rural Aid continues to play a vital role in shaping a strong and sustainable future for farming families and their communities.”

Rural Aid looks forward to the positive impact that Mr Chandler will bring to the Board as the organisation works to build a stronger and more vibrant Australian agricultural sector.

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

Rural Aid Offers Critical Support Across the Country for Farmers Impacted by Floods and Severe Weather

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Australia is currently facing extreme weather events at opposite ends of the country. While parts of Queensland are flood-affected and some are beginning the clean-up, bushfires are affecting parts of Victoria and Western Australia. Concurrently, South Australia and Western Victoria are enduring drought.

Rural Aid is working hard to respond to the growing needs of farmers, though its resources are stretched across the country. The immediate impact of the floods requires urgent relief, including financial support and counselling, while drought-affected regions need ongoing assistance with hay, water, and long-term mental health services. These events require both immediate attention and sustained efforts to help communities recover and rebuild.

“We are seeing communities under immense pressure,” said Rural Aid CEO Mr John Warlters. “The impact of the floods is being felt by farmers, and their resilience is being tested. At the same time, the drought continues to challenge farmers and small businesses, with many needing support to continue their work.”

Rural Aid is here to offer critical support to farmers affected by these events. For those in flooded areas, we provide immediate relief, including financial aid, counselling, and hay. For farmers in drought-impacted regions, we offer ongoing assistance such as hay, water, and important mental health services to help them manage and rebuild. Rural Aid is committed to being there for the long haul to support farmers and their livelihoods.

Farmers—including cane , fruit and vegetable growers—are encouraged to register with us to access the help they need. Registration is the first step in receiving the vital resources and assistance required to recover after these challenging times.

Rural Aid’s ability to continue providing support also relies on the generosity of the public. As Mr. Warlters emphasised, “Thanks to donations, Rural Aid can deliver essential support year-round, ensuring that communities across Australia have the help they need during times of hardship.”

Rural Aid is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to adapt its response as the weather patterns evolve. We remain dedicated to supporting farmers and rural communities through these difficult times.

Farmers can register for assistance by visiting www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, dedicated to providing practical support and vital services to farmers and rural communities. Since its establishment in 2015, the charity has been a lifeline during times of crisis, providing mental health support, hay, domestic water and community engagement. Rural Aid partners with farmers to help them navigate challenges, recover from hardship, and build stronger, more resilient futures.

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

Source: SheepCenttal