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Record number of volunteers lend a hand to Chinchilla farmers

Posted on 20 July 202620 July 2026

A record number of volunteers will lend a hand to Chinchilla farmers next week, as Rural Aid brings together its largest volunteer turnout for a Farm Recovery Event to stand alongside farming families recovering from recent disasters.

From 19 to 25 July, 45 volunteers, including 15 first-time volunteers and 41 corporate volunteers, will roll up their sleeves at nine farms across the Chinchilla region in Queensland, providing practical support to farming families where it is needed most.

The event comes as local farmers continue to recover from the impacts of severe flooding in March this year and bushfires in 2023. Through hands-on assistance, Rural Aid volunteers will help farmers tackle important recovery work, easing some of the pressure faced by farming families during challenging times.

Rural Aid CEO John Walters said Farm Recovery Events provide more than just practical help, creating opportunities for connection, encouragement and community at a time when many farming families are navigating the long road to recovery.

“The jobs we help farmers complete are important, but what we often hear from farmers is that knowing people care and are willing to stand beside them means just as much,” Mr Walters said.

“Recovery after a disaster is about more than rebuilding fences or repairing infrastructure. It is about helping farming families move forward, restoring confidence and reminding them they have a community behind them.”

“Rural communities are built on people helping each other, and Rural Aid’s Farm Recovery Events bring that spirit of mateship to life. They create moments of connection that can make a real difference for farming families.”

“The record number of volunteers joining us in Chinchilla is a clear reflection of Australians from all walks of life wanting to support our farmers. Whether they live in regional communities or our cities, people understand the important role farmers play and are eager to lend a hand when it matters most.”

This Farm Recovery Event also marks the beginning of Rural Aid’s new partnership with Allianz Australia, as part of its Allianz Community Care program. The program brings together Allianz’s partnerships under one shared mission: to strengthen community resilience by building mental wellbeing and social connection while supporting the long-term recovery of communities impacted by natural disasters.

Libby Davidson, Chief General Manager Corporate Affairs and Governance, Allianz Australia, said: “The Chinchilla Farm Recovery Event is a powerful demonstration of what the Allianz Community Care program stands for. With 34 Allianz employees volunteering we’re united in our commitment to helping communities recover, rebuild, and thrive.”

The Chinchilla Farm Recovery Event highlights the power of volunteers, corporate partners and communities coming together to support Australian farmers through challenging times.

Australians wanting to lend a hand at upcoming Rural Aid Farm Recovery Events in Mutchilba/Dimbulah, Queensland (23 to 28 August) or Kempsey, New South Wales (18 to 23 October) can register to volunteer at www.ruralaid.org.au/volunteers.

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

Sam Longmore completes 441km Big Wheel Challenge, raising over $175,000 for rural mental health

Posted on 10 July 202610 July 2026

A herculean 441-kilometre wheelchair journey raising much-needed funds for rural mental health has come to a powerful and emotional finish in Yass, with local disability advocate and adaptive athlete Sam Longmore rolling into town on Saturday, 4 July after eight days of determination, endurance and community spirit across regional New South Wales as part of The Big Wheel: Push for a Purpose.

Beginning in Corowa on 27 June and travelling through more than 20 communities including Albury, Wagga Wagga, Junee, Cootamundra, Harden and Binalong, Ms Longmore pushed through challenging weather, long road stretches and physical fatigue, supported by strong community engagement along the route.

The challenge and accompanying charity auction have raised more than $175,000 and counting for rural mental health initiatives supporting the work of Rural Aid and Riverina Bluebell. While the fundraising total is significant, the key focus has been raising awareness of mental health in rural communities, reinforcing the message that one conversation at the right time can change everything. The funds raised will support mental health outreach, counselling for farming families, emergency relief during drought, fire and flood events, and community wellbeing programs across rural and remote Australia.

Ms Longmore said the challenge was driven by a desire to encourage conversation and connection across rural communities.

“I just wanted to help. I had the ability to help. We all have the ability to help,” she said. “I took on this challenge to raise awareness of rural mental health and to support the work being done by Rural Aid in rural communities. One small thing each day can make a real difference to everyday Australians.”

Ms Longmore continued, “although I spent the majority of the time on the road on my own, this didn’t happen just because of me. There was a team, there was a community behind me getting here today.”

CEO of Rural Aid John Warlters said the effort reflected both endurance and a strong commitment to rural Australia.

“What Sam has achieved is an outstanding effort. Covering 441 kilometres over eight days in support of rural mental health is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about her dedication to rural communities.”

“Just as significant as the physical achievement were the connections made along the way. Every conversation, every wave from the roadside, and every shared story helped shine a light on the realities faced in many rural and remote communities.”

“The funds raised will go toward delivering practical mental health support, emergency assistance and wellbeing programs that help farming families and regional communities not only through difficult times, but in building long-term resilience.”

Throughout the journey, communities across regional NSW turned out in strong support of Ms Longmore, with locals joining for sections of the route and gathering in towns to show encouragement and solidarity. The challenge became a shared expression of connection across rural Australia. The final arrival in Yass marked the completion of the physical journey and a celebration of community support and fundraising success.

The impact of The Big Wheel will continue beyond the kilometres travelled, with funds raised helping to strengthen mental health support, resilience and connection in rural communities across Australia. Donations can still be made at www.mycause.com.au/page/393886/the-big-wheel.

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

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.

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