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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.

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

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

New Rural Aid counsellor to support flood-affected North-West Queensland communities

Posted on 25 May 202625 May 2026

Rural Aid has reinforced its commitment to supporting farmers and rural communities across North-West Queensland with the appointment of Cloncurry-based counsellor and community representative, Kylie Braes.

Ms Braes’ appointment follows the devastating floods earlier this year, which caused widespread property damage and significant livestock losses, placing ongoing financial and emotional strain on farming families.

Based in the North-West Queensland region, near Cloncurry, Ms Braes will provide on-the-ground support to farmers and their families, working across local towns and LGAs to deliver counselling services and strengthen Rural Aid’s connection with local communities.

The role has been made possible through a $500,000 partnership contribution from Evolution Mining, in support of Rural Aid’s work with farming families and rural communities across the region

Rural Aid CEO John Walters said Ms Braes’ appointment is a vital step in ensuring ongoing support.

“The floods had a profound impact on farming families across North-West Queensland, and recovery is still ongoing,” Mr Walters said.

“Having Ms Braes on the ground, someone who understands life on the land, means we can deliver practical, timely support where it’s needed most and ensure farmers know they’re not facing these challenges alone.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Evolution Mining for their partnership and helping us expand support where it’s needed most.”

Ms Braes and her husband manage a large cattle station near Cloncurry, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges faced by primary producers, from climate variability and isolation to the emotional toll of natural disasters.

Ms Braes said she is passionate about supporting her community during recovery.

“This region has been hit hard, and the floods have taken a real toll on many families, both financially and emotionally,” Ms Braes said.

“Being part of the agricultural community myself, I understand the pressures farmers are under, and how important it is to have someone local who understands those challenges and is there to listen.”

“I’m proud to be working with Rural Aid to support our communities and help people navigate the challenges ahead.”

Ernest Henry Operations General Manager Jason Floyd said Evolution Mining’s $500,000 investment is focused on delivering practical, local support where it will have the greatest impact.

“Our investment is about ensuring farmers and their families have access to meaningful, on-the-ground support as they recover from the floods and rebuild for the future,” Mr Floyd said.

Rural Aid continues to deliver support across disaster-affected regions, including financial assistance, hay support and mental health services. 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 appoints new counsellor to support South West Victorian farmers and families

Posted on 25 May 202625 May 2026

Rural Aid has strengthened its commitment to supporting Victorian farmers, their families and rural communities with the appointment of Lawrence Maskill as a dedicated Rural Aid counsellor and community representative based in South West Victoria.

This appointment comes at a critical time for regional Victoria, where farming communities continue to face mounting pressures from natural disasters such as bushfires and drought, alongside rising operational costs including fuel and fertiliser. These challenges have placed significant strain on the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and their families.

“Farmers across South West Victoria are facing a unique combination of pressures, and the impact on mental health can’t be underestimated,” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters. “Having someone like Lawrence on the ground, who understands both farming life and crisis support, means people can access help that is practical, personal and genuinely relevant to their situation.

“This role is about more than counselling. It’s about building trust within communities and making sure support is there before people reach breaking point.”

Ms Maskill brings a wealth of lived and professional experience to the role, having worked in beef and sheep farming as well as a qualified counsellor and crisis support worker.

“I’ve seen firsthand the highs and lows that come with farming, and how quickly circumstances can change,” Ms Maskill said. “Drought, fire, rising costs – it all adds up, and it can take a real toll on individuals and families.

“What I want people to know is that they don’t have to carry that on their own. Whether it’s a tough season or a crisis moment, having someone to talk to who understands can make a real difference.

“I’m looking forward to getting out into the community, listening to people’s stories and working alongside them to build strength and resilience for the future.”

Based in the Colac Otway region, Ms Maskill will provide on-the-ground support to farmers and their families across South West Victoria, working across local towns and communities to deliver counselling services and strengthen Rural Aid’s connection with local communities.

Rural Aid continues to support farmers and rural communities everyday through practical assistance, mental health and wellbeing support, and community development, including in disaster-affected regions. Farmers and their families seeking support can call Rural Aid on 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 ramps up drought response as demand for support grows

Posted on 20 May 202620 May 2026

For many farming families across large parts of eastern Australia, ongoing dry conditions are not only reducing feed and water availability, but forcing difficult decisions about livestock, production and the future of their farms. Rural Aid support is increasingly important to how they are managing through the conditions.

Fifth-generation Singleton dairy farmer Jason Cousins says prolonged dry weather has left paddocks with almost no usable feed, making day-to-day support essential to keep stock going.

“It’s extremely dry at the moment… it just keeps ramping up,” Mr Cousins said.

“There’s just no feed in the paddocks. Even on 300 acres, there’s nothing there to keep stock going.”

He said assistance delivered through Rural Aid, funded by donations from the public and partners, has made a direct difference to his ability to maintain livestock through the drought.

“We’ve had hay deliveries from Rural Aid, which has extended the lifeline,” he said.

“Without that, we wouldn’t be able to keep them going. There’s just nothing growing.”

Rural Aid says it is continuing to respond across drought-affected regions as demand for assistance remains strong, with farmers relying on support to manage livestock, water shortages and ongoing financial pressure.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said farmers are facing sustained pressure from dry conditions and rising operating costs.

“We are seeing very strong and sustained demand across drought-affected communities,” Mr Warlters said.

“Farmers are dealing with very dry conditions, limited feed and rising operating costs all at once, and that combination is putting significant pressure on farm businesses.”

In northern New South Wales, Ashford farmer Kathy Gleeson said ongoing dry conditions following recent bushfires have left paddocks bare and water supplies under pressure, with support helping ease some of the strain on daily operations.

“We’ve had bushfires recently and no follow-up rain, so the grass just hasn’t grown,” she said.

“It’s very bare out here, and we’re hand feeding cattle every day just to get through.”

“We’ve got crops we would normally sow for winter feed, but there’s been no rain to prepare the ground, so that’s been completely lost this year.”

“One of our dams hasn’t been dry in over 80 years, as long as I can remember. We’re desperately in need of rain.”

She said support from Rural Aid, has helped ease immediate pressure during the drought.

“We’re very grateful to Rural Aid for bringing us hay. Without that assistance, things would be extremely tough,” she said.

Rural Aid says rising fuel, fertiliser and transport costs continue to compound the impact of drought conditions, adding further pressure to already constrained farm budgets.

Mr Warlters said ongoing support from the public and partners are what allow the organisation to continue responding wherever need is identified.

“We are doing everything we can to respond,” he said.

“But continued support allows us to keep meeting the level of need we are seeing on the ground.”

Rural Aid is encouraging Australians to help farmers impacted by ongoing drought conditions by making a tax-deductible donation this financial year.

Donations help ensure farmers continue to receive essential support including hay, water, financial assistance and counselling during prolonged dry conditions.

Donations can be made at: 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