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Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition returns for 2026 – celebrating the heart, grit and beauty of rural Australia

Posted on 2 July 20262 July 2026

Australia’s much-loved photography showcase, the Spirit of the Bush competition, is back for 2026, inviting people from across the country to capture the stories, landscapes and spirit of rural and regional Australia.

Hosted by Rural Aid, the competition opens at 8:00am Wednesday 1 July 2026 (AEST) and closes at 5:00pm Friday 31 July 2026 (AEST).

Now in its seventh year, Spirit of the Bush has become a celebrated annual initiative showcasing breathtaking and often unseen moments from farming communities and rural landscapes right across Australia.

Since launching in 2020, the competition has built a powerful visual archive of rural life, capturing the resilience, humour, hardship, pride and beauty that define the bush.

This year, photographers are encouraged to share images that reflect the challenges, determination, people and natural beauty of rural and regional Australia, helping to bring the country to the city through the power of photography.

Capturing the real Australia

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the competition continues to reveal the extraordinary stories found in everyday rural life.

“Every year we are reminded just how powerful a single image can be. These photographs do not just show us the bush, they tell us its stories, its resilience, and its heart,” Mr Warlters said.

“Spirit of the Bush continues to bring rural Australia closer to the cities. It opens a window into the everyday realities, the challenges, and the incredible strength of farming communities.”

He said the competition was open to all Australians, regardless of photography experience.

“You do not need to be a professional photographer to enter. Some of our most moving and memorable images come from people simply capturing life as they see it, honest, raw and real,” he said.

Prizes and judging

Twelve winning photographs will be selected by a panel of judges, with each winner receiving a $250 prepaid Visa card.

How to enter

Entries can be submitted via: www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush

Photographers are encouraged to showcase rural and regional Australia in all its forms, from sweeping landscapes and working farms to candid everyday moments that reflect life in the bush.

Terms and conditions can be found here.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Rural Aid delivers practical assistance during drought, fire, flood and other disasters, helping farming families stay on the land and protect their livelihoods. Through disaster relief, mental health support and community development programs, Rural Aid works with partners, supporters and volunteers to strengthen rural communities and ensure farmers have the support they need to recover, rebuild and remain connected.

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

Support available as farmers face rising biosecurity threats and pest pressures nationwide

Posted on 2 July 20262 July 2026

Rural Aid is reminding farmers nationwide that support is available now, as primary producers across Australia face increasing pressure from biosecurity threats and pest impacts that are compounding already challenging operational conditions. A range of assistance programs is available to help farming families through hardship and recovery, including financial support, hay and water deliveries and mental health counselling. All services are provided at no cost to primary producers and their families.

Across the poultry industry, there is increasing concern around H5N1 avian influenza, which has been detected in migratory shorebirds and poses a serious threat to the poultry industry in Western Australia. The H5N1 strain also presents a major concern for dairy, and meat production right across Australia with heightened biosecurity vigilance in place for several livestock industries.

Beekeepers are also facing ongoing challenges associated with the spread of varroa mite, creating increased concern across a broader range of pollination-dependent industries as management requirements continue to evolve. At the same time, farmers across Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria are contending with damaging mouse activity and locust plagues, which can rapidly impact crops, pasture and stored feed.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said farmers are once again being asked to manage multiple, overlapping risks.

“We are seeing farmers across the country facing a combination of biosecurity threats, pest pressures and seasonal challenges at the same time. These situations can escalate quickly and place real pressure on farming families and rural communities.”

“It is important farmers know they are not alone. Rural Aid is here to help, and support is available when it is needed most.”

“Whether it’s emerging concerns like H5N1, the continued spread of varroa mite, or the ongoing impact of mouse and locust activity, we are seeing real stress being placed on primary producers right across the country.”

“Accessing support is simple. Farmers can call or go online in just a few minutes, and we’ll guide them through the process from there.”

Farmers say the ease of accessing support is critical when pressures are high. A recent hay recipient at Ashford, NSW cattle farmer Kathy Gleeson spoke of reaching out to Rural Aid;

“It was really easy to register with Rural Aid. One phone call and they took care of everything. The hay arrived quickly and it made a huge difference at a really stressful time,” she said.

Farmers report that knowing support is accessible quickly and without complexity makes a significant difference during periods of heightened stress.

Assistance is available now for farmers. Call 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au. We’re here to help

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

Rural Aid launches triple-match giving appeal as drought pressure intensifies

Posted on 2 July 20262 July 2026

Rural Aid is urging Australians to stand with farming families facing worsening drought conditions, with a limited-time opportunity to triple the impact of donations before 30 June.

Demand for assistance continues to grow across drought-affected regions of New South Wales and southern Queensland, with Rural Aid reporting significant increases in requests for hay, water and financial support as dry conditions tighten their grip on rural communities.

Recent data from Rural Shows shows demand for hay assistance has increased by more than 500 per cent, financial assistance requests by more than 200 per cent, and water deliveries by more than 70 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Many farming families are now facing the combined pressures of prolonged drought, rising operating costs and dwindling feed and water supplies, placing significant strain on both farm businesses and family wellbeing.

From today, donations to Rural Aid will be tripled, with every $1 donated matched by an additional $2 through a dedicated fund until exhausted. The initiative is supported by the Lacetree Family Trust, MCC Group and other donors, creating a $250,000 matching pool to encourage Australians to support farmers doing it tough.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the appeal comes at a critical time for many farming families.

“While drought doesn’t always dominate the headlines, the reality on the ground is becoming increasingly difficult for many farming communities,” Mr Warlters said.

Fourth-generation dairy farmer Jason Cousins near Singleton said ongoing drought conditions are placing severe pressure on feed supplies, livestock, and farm viability, with hay becoming increasingly difficult to source and winter reserves already being used.

“It’s extremely dry at the moment… it just keeps ramping up,” he said. “It causes a great deal of stress… it just makes you wonder what’s going to happen next.”

“We’re hand feeding cattle… they’re reliant on hay. If they stay out here they lose condition. Hay is getting scarce… it’s not available everywhere,” he said.

“It’s going to be make or break for a lot… everyone’s struggling, everyone’s offloading.”

Australians can significantly increase the impact of their donation during the matching period, with $50 becoming $150 and $100 becoming $300, helping provide hay, water, financial relief and counselling support to farming families.

Mr Warlters said the appeal is about more than practical assistance.

“It’s also about hope. Knowing that people across Australia are standing behind them can make a real difference to farming families facing incredibly difficult circumstances.”

Donations can be made at www.taxtime.ruralaid.org.au.

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

Drought conditions deepen across NSW and southern Queensland as demand for assistance grows

Posted on 12 June 202612 June 2026

Despite recent rainfall in some areas, much of New South Wales and southern Queensland remains in drought, with farming communities continuing to face ongoing feed and water shortages. Prolonged dry conditions, combined with the lingering impacts of previous drought and fire events and rising operating costs, are placing sustained pressure on rural families and farming operations.

Leading rural charity Rural Aid is seeing demand for support services rise sharply, led by increased need for hay, water and financial assistance.

Rising demand for drought support

For the March – May 2026 period compared with March–May 2025, demand for hay assistance has increased by more than 500%. This reflects continued pressure on farmers to secure feed and maintain livestock through extended dry conditions.

Financial assistance to help ease the pressure of other expenses for farmers has also increased by more than 200%, highlighting growing cost pressures across drought-affected regions.

Water support remains essential, with total water delivered increasing by more than 70% over the same comparison period. This reflects sustained demand for critical water deliveries across drought-affected communities.

Taken together, these trends highlight continued and increasing pressure on farming families as dry conditions persist across much of the region.

Australians can make a tax-deductible donation today to ensure no farmer faces these challenges alone at www.taxtime.ruralaid.org.au.

Farmers say Rural Aid’s support continues to make a meaningful difference in helping them get through prolonged drought conditions.

Nancy Pitkin, a cattle farmer from Tenterfield said Rural Aid has been a consistent source of support through both drought and fire recovery.

“Rural Aid has assisted us in a number of different ways through drought and fire,” Mrs Pitkin said.

“When things have been really tough, they’ve been there with support that actually makes a difference on the ground, but also in how you cope day to day.”

“The mental health support has been just as important as anything else. Knowing someone is there to talk to takes a bit of pressure off when things are really stretched.”

“They don’t just help once and walk away, they stay connected, and that matters when you’re living through something long term.”

Cattle and crop producer Kathy Gleeson from Ashford said Rural Aid’s assistance has been a vital lifeline during ongoing dry conditions.

“The support from Rural Aid has been unbelievable,” Ms Gleeson said.

“It’s not just the practical help, it’s the fact they actually show up when things are really hard and help you keep going.”

“They give you hope when you’re looking at empty paddocks and trying to make hard decisions every day.”

“Knowing there’s someone out there backing farmers through this makes a huge difference.”

Australians urged to make your tax time donation to support farmers as drought pressures continue

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said continued community support is essential as farming families face ongoing drought conditions across multiple regions.

“Even with some recent rainfall in parts of the state, many farming communities are still very much in drought conditions,” Mr Warlters said.

“The ongoing nature of these conditions continues to place significant pressure on farming families.”

“It is with donations from the public that we can fund and continue delivering hay, water, financial assistance and counselling to those who need it most.”

Across rural Australia, farmers are battling drought, rising costs and relentless pressure. They can’t face these challenges alone. Donate today to help provide the practical and mental health support farmers need to keep going.

Donate today: www.taxtime.ruralaid.org.au.

Farmers seeking assistance can contact Rural Aid on 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au.

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

Rolling 400km to Break the Silence on Rural Mental Health

Posted on 12 June 202612 June 2026

A powerful new community fundraiser will see Yass-based small business owner, disability advocate and elite adaptive athlete Samantha Longmore undertake an extraordinary 400km wheelchair push through regional New South Wales this June, raising funds and awareness for rural mental health.

“The Big Wheel: Push for a Purpose” will begin on Saturday 27 June at the Corowa Distilling Co and finish eight days later on Saturday 4 July in Yass, with Longmore pushing her everyday wheelchair approximately 50km per day through more than 20 regional communities.

The initiative aims to raise $200,000, with funds split evenly between Rural Aid and Riverina Bluebell, supporting critical mental health services and community resilience programs in rural Australia.

Ms Longmore, who sustained a spinal cord injury in two car accidents more than a decade ago and has used a wheelchair ever since, remains deeply connected to agriculture and rural life. As a small business owner and advocate, she is using this challenge to spark conversation around the growing pressures faced by rural communities.

“I know it’s a big, slightly wild idea, but sometimes it takes something different to get people to stop, pay attention, and start talking,” Ms Longmore said.

“In agriculture especially, we’re seeing pressures build from seasonal conditions, financial stress and isolation. If doing something outlandish helps shine a light on mental health in rural communities and brings people together, then I’m all for it.”

The route will pass through Corowa, Howlong, Albury, Culcairn, Henty, The Rock, Wagga Wagga, Junee, Cootamundra, Harden and Binalong before finishing in Yass, where a community celebration will be held at the Yass Racecourse.

Ms Longmore said the challenge is about more than distance – it’s about connection.

“At the end of the day, I just want to do my bit to start conversations, encourage people to check in on each other, and remind people that they’re not alone, even when it can feel like they are.”

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters praised Ms Longmore’s commitment to supporting rural communities through such a demanding challenge.

“Ms Longmore’s willingness to take on a challenge of this scale to support others speaks volumes about her character and her connection to rural Australia,” Mr Warlters said.

“What she’s doing will not only raise vital funds but also shine a light on the very real mental health challenges facing people in regional and remote communities.”

“Rural Aid is proud to stand alongside Ms Longmore and support this incredible effort, which will help ensure more people know that support is available and that they’re not alone.”

As a grassroots, community-led endurance event, The Big Wheel is expected to draw strong local support along the route, with opportunities for communities to get involved, donate, and walk or roll alongside Ms Longmore.

Event Details:

Event: The Big Wheel – Push for a Purpose
Dates: 27 June – 4 July 2026
Distance: 400km over 8 days
Route: Corowa to Yass via regional NSW communities
Fundraising Target: $200,000
Donation Link: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/393886/the-big-wheel
Beneficiaries: Rural Aid and Riverina Bluebell
Finish Event: Yass Racecourse community celebration

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