News Archives

Southern Queensland farmers encouraged to seek support as Rural Aid continues assisting drought-affected communities

Posted on 30 July 202630 July 2026

For several months Rural Aid has been assisting farming families across northern New South Wales and southern Queensland as drought conditions have continued to impact communities. Following the Queensland Government’s drought declaration for Balonne, Goondiwindi, Southern Downs and the southern part of Maranoa, Rural Aid is encouraging affected farmers to reach out, with practical assistance available.

For many farming families, drought impacts more than what is happening in the paddock. It can place pressure on livestock, water supplies, finances, decision-making and the wellbeing of entire households.

Eligible farming families can access a range of assistance, including hay deliveries, water assistance, financial assistance and mental health and wellbeing support.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said farmers should know help is available during difficult seasons.

“Farmers across southern Queensland are facing challenging conditions, and we want them to know Rural Aid is here to help,” Mr Warlters said.

“Drought impacts every part of farming life, from what happens in the paddock through to the pressures faced at home, and no farmer should feel they have to face those challenges alone.

“From helping farmers access essential resources like hay and water through to financial assistance and mental health and wellbeing support, our team understands life on the land and is ready to work alongside farming families when they need us most.”

Dalveen farmer Tanya Bertram knows the pressure dry conditions can place on farming families. Tanya and her family run a 250-acre mixed farming property south of Warwick, raising cattle, sheep and miniature goats.

Tanya has seen firsthand how prolonged dry conditions can affect farm operations, from managing livestock through to making difficult decisions about feed and water.

“When we don’t have the water in the creek, we have trouble putting the stock out here because when the dams are empty and the creek’s empty, we’ve got no water for them readily available,” Tanya said.

Through Rural Aid, Tanya received hay assistance and financial help during a period when feed availability and household costs were placing increasing pressure on the family.

“We received four round bales and decided to use them for the cows with calves, which gave us about a month of feed,” Tanya said.

“Without that hay, it probably would have meant more sleepless nights thinking about how I needed to keep working five days a week to continue putting money into feed.”

Tanya said the financial assistance provided valuable breathing space for the household during a difficult period.

“The financial assistance meant I could buy groceries without having to worry about all the extra things. It was an absolute blessing.”

Tanya said accessing assistance through Rural Aid was straightforward and encouraged other farmers who may be hesitant to reach out.

“Rural Aid is there to support you, whether it’s with hay drops, water, financial assistance or mental health and wellbeing support. There is no judgement,” she said.

Rural Aid provides assistance for farmers at no cost, including:

Hay to help meet livestock feed needs during dry conditions
Water and water tank deliveries for households experiencing shortages
Financial assistance to help with essential expenses
Mental health and wellbeing support for farmers and their families
On-ground assistance through the Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs, helping farming families with clean-up, recovery and rebuilding

Mr Warlters said seeking assistance early could help ease pressure for farming families.

“Reaching out for assistance is not a sign of weakness. It is about making sure farmers and their families have the help they need during challenging times,” he said.

“Our team understands life on the land and is here to listen, provide practical support and help farmers access the assistance they need.”

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

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

Morgans Financial deepens commitment to rural Australia as new Rural Aid Patron

Posted on 28 July 202628 July 2026

Rural Aid is pleased to announce Morgans Financial Limited as its newest Patron, strengthening its commitment to supporting farmers and rural communities across Australia.

Morgans Financial patronage will be led by Executive Chairman Brian Sheahan, who brings more than 40 years’ experience across the financial services and resources sectors. Since joining Morgans in 1997 and its Board in 2000, Brian has played a key role in the growth of Morgans Financial Limited and Morgans Holdings (Australia) Limited.

The appointment builds on Morgans Financial long-standing support of Rural Aid and its commitment to rural and regional Australia. Through initiatives including Big Dry Friday, established in 2018, Morgans Financial and the Morgans Foundation has helped raise funds and awareness to support farmers and communities experiencing hardship, with Rural Aid a major beneficiary since 2019.

As a Patron, Morgans Financial will help raise awareness of the challenges facing rural Australia, advocate for farmers and support Rural Aid’s delivery of disaster assistance, mental health and wellbeing services, and community development programs.

Rural Aid Chairman Alex Hutton said Morgans Financial appointment reflected the value of partnerships that help create meaningful outcomes for farming communities.

“We are delighted to welcome Morgans Financial as a Rural Aid Patron. Their genuine commitment to rural Australia and their long-standing support of farmers aligns strongly with our purpose,” Mr Hutton said.

“Together, we can continue providing timely assistance, strengthening connections and ensuring farmers and their families have access to the support they need, when they need it most.”

Morgans Financial Executive Chairman Brian Sheahan said the organisation was proud to deepen its relationship with Rural Aid.

“Morgans has always valued the contribution of Australia’s farmers and the vital role they play in our economy and communities,” Mr Sheahan said.

“Through our support of Rural Aid and initiatives such as Big Dry Friday, we have seen the impact that practical assistance and community connection can have for farmers and their families during challenging times.”

“We are honoured to become a Patron and continue supporting rural Australia. We look forward to working with Rural Aid to help deliver meaningful outcomes for farming communities across the country.”

Rural Aid is proud to work with partners who share its commitment to supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Through this partnership, Morgans Financial will help Rural Aid continue delivering meaningful support where it is needed most.

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

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.

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