Category: News

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

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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.

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

National Water Week Brings Urgent Need for Rural Water Security into Focus

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As National Water Week begins on 20 October, Rural Aid is urging Australians to help farming families who are living without something most of us take for granted: safe, reliable household water.

Across the country, many farming families are running out of clean water to drink, cook with and bathe in. Rural Aid is committed to easing this crisis by delivering domestic water and donating household water tanks to farmers in need. These are not for irrigation or livestock. They are for the kitchen tap, the bathroom sink and the washing machine. They are for basic human dignity.
 
This year’s National Water Week theme, Bring Water into Focus, comes at a time when the need has never been clearer. During August, Rural Aid made 60 household water tanks available to farming families across every state and territory. Every single tank was claimed within minutes.
 
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the speed and scale of the response reflects a issue that is deepening.
 
“When everyday things like doing the laundry or taking a proper shower become difficult, it is more than just a challenge. It is a sign that a family needs help. That is a family in distress. And this is the reality for far too many people on the land,” Mr Warlters said.
 
A recent survey of Rural Aid’s registered farmers found that 77 per cent of respondents rated their need for a domestic water tank as either high or medium. Almost all who have received a Rural Aid tank, 97 per cent, reported an improvement in their wellbeing.
 
“The response from our farmers has been powerful. Many have called these water tanks lifesaving. They tell us they feel like they can breathe again. They feel supported. They feel seen,” Mr Warlters said.
 
One farming family who recently received a donated water tank is Mary and Mac Haig from Cunnamulla, Queensland. They shared what the support has meant for them:
 
“Water tanks are essential for ensuring the health and productivity of households. They provide a reliable water supply, which is crucial for daily welfare and overall quality of life,” Ms Haig said.
 
Mr Warlters said the National Water Week theme is especially relevant for rural Australia.
 
“This year we are being asked to bring water into focus. For the families we help, water is already front and centre. Every drop is counted. Every litre matters. Our job is to make sure they are not facing this alone.”
 
Rural Aid is asking Australians to donate during National Water Week to help meet the overwhelming demand for household water tanks. Every contribution will help restore comfort and dignity to families doing it tough.
 
To donate or learn more, visit www.ruralaid.org.au.

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

Stronger together: Rural Aid encourages Victorian farmers to connect this Mental Health Week

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As Mental Health Week begins this Saturday, 4 October, Rural Aid is calling on Victorian farmers to reach out, reconnect and check in with their own wellbeing. This year’s overarching message focuses on the power of simple, genuine connection.

Mental health is a shared responsibility, and strong, resilient communities grow from simple, everyday acts of connection and support.
 
“Farming life can be tough, even when things are going well,” said Marg McKay, Rural Aid’s Victoria-based counsellor. “But when you add in stress, isolation or uncertainty, it’s even more important to stay connected — with others, and with yourself.”
 
Ms McKay provides free and confidential counselling to Victorian farmers and says that rural connection is one of the most powerful tools in maintaining mental health.
 
“Simple things like calling a neighbour, catching up at the local club or making time for a chat after work — they really can make a difference,” she said. “People often just need to know someone cares.”
 
Rural Aid’s mental health services include one-on-one counselling, community resilience workshops and personalised wellbeing support, all delivered by professionals who understand regional life.
 
World Mental Health Day will be marked on Friday 10 October, encouraging Australians to reflect on their own mental health and the wellbeing of those around them.
 
“Your mental health deserves the same attention as your crops or livestock,” Ms McKay said. “You don’t have to wait for things to go wrong to reach out. Prevention and early support are key.”
 
Victorian farmers can contact Rural Aid for free, confidential support:

“Help is available, and you are not alone,” Ms McKay added. “Rural Aid is here to support you — whether you need a chat, a plan, or just someone who understands.”

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

Take the next step: Rural Aid supports NSW farmers this Mental Health Week

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With Mental Health Week starting this Saturday, 4 October, Rural Aid is encouraging New South Wales farmers to take meaningful steps toward better mental wellbeing. This year’s theme, Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey, is a reminder that mental health is a process, not a destination.

“Everyone’s journey is different,” said Ian Larnach, Rural Aid’s NSW-based counsellor. “The important thing is to start. That might mean checking in with yourself, having a conversation with someone you trust, or talking to a counsellor.”
 
Mr Larnach supports farmers across NSW with free, confidential counselling, helping them work through challenges such as stress, family pressures, isolation and grief.
 
“You don’t have to take big leaps,” he said. “Even the smallest step forward can shift your perspective. And over time, those small steps add up to real progress.”
 
Rural Aid’s mental health program includes personalised counselling, wellbeing sessions, community workshops and proactive check-ins designed to support farmers in their everyday lives.
 
World Mental Health Day, on Friday 10 October, also provides a moment to pause, reflect and encourage open conversations about mental wellbeing.
 
“Farmers are often so focused on looking after their land, stock and families that they forget to look after themselves,” Mr Larnach said. “But your wellbeing matters too. And there’s always support available.”
 
NSW primary producers can access Rural Aid’s counselling and mental health support services here:

“You don’t have to have it all figured out,” Mr Larnach said. “Just start where you are. And know that you’re not alone — Rural Aid is here to walk alongside you.”

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

Connect for Mental Health: Rural Aid encourages Queensland farmers to reach out this Mental Health Week

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Rural Aid is encouraging Queensland farmers and rural families to start a conversation that matters, with Mental Health Week beginning this Saturday, 4 October. This year’s Queensland theme, Connect for Mental Health, is a reminder that connection is a powerful tool in preventing and managing mental health challenges.

“Connection is absolutely essential in rural life,” said Nicole Galvin, Rural Aid’s Queensland-based counsellor. “It can be the difference between someone struggling in silence or reaching out for support. When we feel connected, we feel seen — and we’re more likely to talk about what’s really going on.”
 
Ms Galvin supports farmers across Queensland with free, confidential counselling, designed to be flexible and practical for those working on the land.
 
“Connection doesn’t have to be formal or time-consuming,” she said. “It might be a chat at the local store, a check-in at the cattle yards or a phone call after dinner. These moments help build trust and let people know they’re not alone.”
 
Rural Aid’s mental health and wellbeing program delivers one-on-one counselling, wellbeing resources, community workshops and proactive outreach to help farmers stay connected and mentally healthy.
 
In addition to the weeklong focus, World Mental Health Day on Friday 10 October is a chance to reflect on how we can all be part of a more supportive and connected community.
 
“Farmers often put their own wellbeing last,” Ms Galvin said. “But your mental health matters. Connection is a protective factor. It’s a reminder that someone’s in your corner.”
 
Rural Aid encourages any Queensland farmer or rural worker who is struggling to reach out for support:

“Whether it’s a conversation with a mate or a call to a counsellor, every connection counts,” Ms Galvin said. “You don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help.”

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