Their stories. Their struggles. Their strength. Rural Aid shines a light on farming families
Rural Aid is taking Australians into regional communities across the Hunter, northern NSW and southern Queensland, sharing the stories of farmers, the challenges they face and the strength of the communities that support them.
From November 2 to 6, Rural Aid will be on the ground across the Hunter, northern NSW and southern Queensland, continuing the support it has provided to farming communities over many months. The week will include hay drops, water and water tank deliveries, community visits and opportunities to share farmers’ stories and highlight the challenges they face.
While recent rain has brought welcome relief and renewed hope to some farming communities, conditions remain mixed across regional Australia. Some areas continue to grapple with the effects of prolonged dry conditions, while others have experienced flash flooding. At the same time, rising fuel prices and the cost of keeping livestock fed and watered continue to put pressure on farm businesses. The week will share these varied experiences, highlighting the challenges farmers face and the support they need.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the week was an opportunity to hear directly from farmers and share their experiences with a wider audience.
“Every farmer has a story to tell, and those stories help Australians understand the realities of life on the land, the challenges people face and what keeps them going,” Mr Warlters said.
“Recent rain has brought welcome relief and renewed hope for many, but the impact of a prolonged dry period doesn’t disappear overnight. Every region and farming operation is different, and our role is to listen, understand what farmers need and provide practical support as they navigate changing conditions.
Running from November 2 to 6, On the Frontline with Rural Aid will travel through regional communities across the Hunter, northern NSW and southern Queensland. Across the week assistance will be delivered to farmers and families in need. Including hay drops, water and water tank deliveries, community visits and opportunities to hear directly from farmers about their experiences.
For New England farmer Ian Law, a recent hay delivery from Rural Aid has provided some much-needed breathing room.
The third-generation farmer, who runs sheep and cattle near Emmaville, said a lack of rain had affected winter cropping and left little moisture in the ground to support spring growth.
With feed supplies under pressure and expenses rising, he said the delivery would allow him to continue feeding his livestock for another two to three weeks.
“If we can get an extra two or three weeks out of some extra feed that has been delivered by Rural Aid, that’s magic,” Mr Law said.
He said the effects of prolonged dry conditions were felt beyond individual properties, with less money circulating through small towns as farmers reduced spending and local employment opportunities became more limited.
Further north, Glen Niven cattle farmer Owen Wilmot continues to face pressure as he works to keep his cattle fed through challenging conditions.
“It’s costing me roughly $3 a head per day to keep them alive,” Mr Wilmot said.
Rural Aid’s recent hay delivery has helped ease the pressure, providing valuable supplementary feed for his cattle. He said Rural Aid had also supported his family during a previous drought, providing a water tank that improved their household water security.
For Ashford farmer Mal Peters, the challenges of farming extend beyond the financial pressures of running a property. He said prolonged difficult conditions, including drought, can also affect farmers’ mental wellbeing and the social connections that help keep rural communities strong.
Mr Peters, who helped establish the NSW Mental Health Network more than 30 years ago, said the support farmers receive can make a real difference.
“I would urge all corporates and private individuals who are making donations to channel their money through Rural Aid. The assistance goes to genuine farmers, those who rely on agriculture for their income,” Mr Peters said.
Rural Aid supports farmers and rural communities through hay deliveries, water tanks and water deliveries, financial assistance, mental health and wellbeing services, and community development programs.
Mr Warlters said sharing farmers’ stories was an important part of helping Australians understand the diversity of experiences across regional communities.
“Farming brings plenty of challenges, including drought, but there is also resilience, pride and a strong sense of community. We want to share those stories and give people a better understanding of what life on the land looks like, in the good times and the difficult ones,” he said.
“Rural Aid relies on donations from the public to enable us to deliver practical support for farmers and their families. Australians can play a part in helping farming families through difficult times and supporting the communities that feed our nation by buying a bale today.”
On the Frontline with Rural Aid will begin with a hay drop at Singleton on November 2, followed by water tank and water deliveries at Inverell on November 3. Activities on November 4 will include water tank deliveries at Glen Innes and a hay drop at Texas, followed by a hay drop at Inverell on November 5. The week will conclude near Oakey on November 6 with a visit to a hay-growing farm and hay transport operation.
Australians can support farmers, their families and rural communities by donating today at buyabale.ruralaid.org.au or calling 1300 327 624.
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.
Media invitation
Media are invited to attend any day of On the Frontline with Rural Aid from November 2 to 6. Farmers receiving assistance and Rural Aid representatives will be available for interviews, with opportunities to capture hay drops, water deliveries and other visual content.
On the Frontline with Rural Aid
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Date
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Location
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Activity
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Monday, November 2
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Singleton
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Hay drop
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Tuesday, November 3
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Inverell
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Water tank and water deliveries
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Wednesday, November 4
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Glen Innes and Texas
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Water tank deliveries at Glen Innes, followed by a hay drop at Texas
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Thursday, November 5
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Inverell
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Hay drop
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Friday, November 6
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Near Oakey, Queensland
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Visit to a hay-growing farm and hay transport operation
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au
