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Kempsey farmers set to receive support through Rural Aid farm recovery event

Posted on 13 October 202613 October 2026

Ten farms across the Kempsey region will receive a helping hand from Rural Aid as farmers, volunteers and supporters come together for a dedicated farm recovery event from 19 to 23 October.

The event, funded through Rural Aid’s partnership with Allianz Australia, will see Rural Aid staff and volunteers working alongside farmers to complete important projects across their properties, including fencing, debris removal, gardening and water infrastructure installation.

For farmers, there is always a long list of jobs that need attention. Following challenging seasons and natural disasters, some projects can become difficult to prioritise while managing the everyday demands of running a farm.

Rural Aid’s farm recovery events bring people onto farms to lend a hand with these important jobs, while also creating opportunities for connection, conversation and community.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the value of these events extended beyond the work completed.

“Farmers work incredibly hard, and everyone appreciates having a helping hand from time to time. These events are about coming together, getting important jobs done and showing farmers they have the support of the wider community.

“The work completed on farms makes a real difference, but so does the connection created through sharing stories, having a laugh and spending time together.”

The Kempsey region has a proud agricultural history and has faced significant weather events over the years, including major flooding across the Macleay River system.

Floods can leave lasting impacts on farms, affecting fencing, infrastructure, pasture and access. Rural Aid’s farm recovery events help farmers tackle some of these challenges while bringing communities together to support the people who produce Australia’s food and fibre.

The impact of this support was recently highlighted by first-time Rural Aid volunteer John Giuliani, who joined a Rural Aid recovery event in the Atherton Tablelands.

John said the experience showed him the importance of connection alongside the physical work.

“It’s not all about fixing fences or cutting down trees. I think most of it’s about that human contact, just wanting someone to talk to, someone to tell their story to, and someone to make them laugh,” John said.

Farmer Viv Gargan, who received support during the Far North Queensland event, said Rural Aid volunteers helped complete fencing work that had been waiting years to be tackled.

“That has been a project that’s been on our list for about 15 years. Many hands make light work,” she said.

Rural Aid will next hold a farm recovery event in Yea, Victoria, from 8 to 13 November to support farming families recovering from the bushfires that impacted the region earlier this year.

Volunteers are encouraged to register their interest and join Rural Aid in lending a hand to local farmers, helping complete important farm projects while connecting with the Yea farming community. More information about volunteering opportunities is available 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

Together we thrive: Rural Aid highlights the importance of connection for mental health in the bush

Posted on 9 October 20269 October 2026

Ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Rural Aid is highlighting the importance of connection for the mental health and wellbeing of people living and working across rural and regional Australia.

This year’s theme, “Together we thrive”, recognises the role strong communities play in supporting people through life’s challenges. For many people in the bush, isolation, distance and limited access to services remain significant barriers to getting support.

Rural Aid’s Pulse of the Paddock survey found 94 per cent of farmers identified their community as important to accessing services, while 38 per cent identified barriers to accessing services for themselves and their families.

Farmers and rural communities can experience a range of pressures, including drought, floods, fires, disasters, biosecurity threats, rising costs and uncertainty about the future. These challenges can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Rural Aid Mental Health Manager Myf Pitcher said having access to a team of qualified counsellors who understand rural life is important for farmers and their families.

“Rural people often face unique pressures, and having someone to talk to who understands those pressures can make a real difference,” Ms Pitcher said.

“Reaching out for support is an important step in looking after yourself and your community.”

As part of Mental Health Month, Rural Aid is getting the country moving with a simple dance activity encouraging farmers, rural communities and supporters and the wider Rural Aid community to take part.

The activity is designed to celebrate the importance of movement, connection and looking after wellbeing. Whether people join in with their team, family, friends, colleagues or on their own, the focus is not on getting the moves perfect, but on creating moments of connection, having a laugh and starting conversations about mental health.

From offices and events to farms and rural communities, everyone across the Rural Aid community is encouraged to get involved and share in the message behind this year’s Mental Health Month theme, “Together we thrive”. Check out our socials for the tutorial and videos

For dairy farmer Jason Cousins, from Singleton, NSW, Rural Aid’s support has reinforced the importance of speaking openly about mental health.

“Being an old-school farmer, you’re always taught to bottle things up and not show emotion,” Mr Cousins said.

“What I’ve learned is it’s okay to tell someone how you feel, and it does give you some relief.”

Mr Cousins said asking for help does not make someone any less capable.

“It doesn’t make you any less of a person to open up to someone. It’s worth taking that step.”

He said Rural Aid’s support provides more than practical assistance.

“The help Rural Aid provides is a lifeline. It’s not just the practical support like hay and water, it’s the mental health support too.”

This World Mental Health Day, Rural Aid is encouraging people in rural communities to check in with one another, start conversations and remember that support is available.

Farmers and their families can access Rural Aid’s mental health support at no cost by contacting 1300 327 624 or visiting www.ruralaid.org.au.

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

Don’t wait for disaster: Rural Aid urges farmers to register now

Posted on 14 September 202614 September 2026

With summer approaching and the risk of bushfires and other severe weather increasing across parts of Australia, Rural Aid is encouraging farmers to make sure they know where to turn if they need a hand.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting warmer and drier conditions across parts of the country this spring, with increased bushfire risk in several areas. The months ahead also bring the start of the tropical cyclone season, along with the potential for severe storms and flooding.

For farmers already dealing with dry conditions, the prospect of fire and other severe weather adds another layer of uncertainty.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said taking a simple step now could make it easier to access support if disaster strikes.

“Disasters don’t wait, and neither should farmers,” Mr Warlters said.

“We want farmers to take that step now, to be prepared.

“Getting registered with Rural Aid means we know who you are and where you are and if you need support, we can talk through what help may be available.”

Rural Aid provides a range of practical and wellbeing support services for farmers at no cost, including:

Financial assistance to help cover urgent or unexpected costs
Counselling and mental health support for farmers and their families
Emergency hay deliveries to support livestock
Water deliveries for essential household use
On-ground help through the Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs, assisting with clean-up and rebuilding

Cattle farmer Darrell Littlehales, from Ashford, NSW said farmers should not be reluctant to ask for help.

“Anyone seeking assistance, most definitely get in touch with Rural Aid. Don’t be ashamed,” he said.

Darryl said the process of getting help from Rural Aid was straightforward.

“The process is very easy. You just apply over the phone and they’ll be back in touch. It’s a big help. It’s an easy organisation, great people doing a great job.”

Mr Warlters said farmers did not need to be facing a disaster today to take the first step.

“We know farmers have a lot on their plate, but getting registered now is one less thing to think about if a fire or other disaster comes your way,” he said.

“Whether it’s a bushfire, flood, storm or drought, Rural Aid is here to help farmers and their families through the challenges that life on the land brings.

“So don’t wait, get registered with Rural Aid now and if you need a hand, we’ll be here.”

Register today by calling 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au. Rural Aid is ready to help.

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

The spirit of the bush shines through in Rural Aid photography competition

Posted on 14 September 202614 September 2026

Rural Aid has announced the 12 winners of its 2026 Spirit of the Bush photography competition, celebrating the people, landscapes, resilience and everyday moments that capture the true spirit of rural and regional 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 were encouraged to share images reflecting the challenges, determination, people and natural beauty of rural and regional Australia, helping bring the country to the city through the power of photography.

Each of the 12 winning photographers will receive a $250 prepaid Visa card, with their winning images also featuring in Rural Aid’s 2027 Spirit of the Bush calendar.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the competition provided an important opportunity to showcase the people and places that make rural and regional Australia so special.

“The Spirit of the Bush competition gives us a wonderful window into rural and regional Australia, the people, the landscapes, the challenges and the moments of joy that make life in the bush so unique,” Mr Warlters said.

“These photographs tell stories that deserve to be seen and celebrated. They remind us of the strength, resilience, humour and connection that exists across our rural communities, and help share those stories with people right across Australia.

“Congratulations to all of our winners and to everyone who entered this year’s competition. The quality and variety of the images made selecting the winners a difficult task, and we’re proud to help share these snapshots of life in the bush.”

For winner Catherine Philips from Middlemount, Queensland, the competition was an opportunity to celebrate the families who live and work in rural communities.

“As a teacher who has raised her family in the bush, I think it’s so important to remind the country of all the families out here playing a vital role by living and working on the land,” Catherine said.

“I’m thrilled that my image was selected as a winner of the competition. I really hope it helps highlight and celebrate the people of the bush, their lives and the passion they have for life on the land.”

Fellow winner Mardi Harrison from Kyneton, Victoria, said the competition captured the values that underpin life in rural communities.

“To me, the spirit of the bush is about resilience, friendship and looking out for one another. It’s the quiet strength of farming families, working through good seasons and the tough ones,” Mardi said.

“It’s neighbours lending a hand without being asked, communities pulling together when times are difficult, and a deep connection to the land. Above all, it’s about mateship, belonging and never having to face the challenges alone.”

The winning photographs will be brought together in Rural Aid’s 2027 Spirit of the Bush calendar, which will be available to purchase later this year from shop.ruralaid.org.au.

List of winners

Mardi Harrison – Kyneton, VIC
Jaymee Inwood – Carinda, NSW
Felicity Thomas – Mulwala, NSW
Catherine Philips – Middlemount, QLD
Michelle Peters – Molong, NSW
Jessica Osmond – Hay, NSW
Donna Hodgson – Quilpie, QLD
Hannah Perkins – Bairnsdale, VIC
Sandie Read – Mundubbera, QLD
Richard Poulish – Lower King, WA (2x winner)
Philip Down – Speed, VIC

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

The journey continues: Sam Longmore joins Rural Aid as Ambassador

Posted on 14 September 202618 September 2026

Following her extraordinary 441-kilometre wheelchair journey through regional New South Wales, Sam Longmore is continuing her commitment to rural communities as the newest Rural Aid Ambassador.

The Yass-based small business owner and adaptive athlete joins Rural Aid’s Ambassador team alongside Aussie Rules player Alyce Parker and retired Rugby League player Corey Jensen, using her profile to continue raising awareness of mental health and the challenges facing people in the bush.

Sam’s appointment follows The Big Wheel: Push for a Purpose, an eight-day journey from Corowa to Yass that took her through more than 20 regional communities and raised more than $200,000 for rural charities Rural Aid and Riverina Bluebell.

“I always wanted The Big Wheel to be about more than the kilometres or money raised,” Sam Longmore said.

“It was about getting people talking, bringing communities together and shining a light on mental health in rural Australia.

“Becoming a Rural Aid Ambassador means I can keep that conversation going. I’ve seen the incredible strength and generosity of rural communities, and I want to keep using my voice to support them.

“The Big Wheel showed me what’s possible when people come together behind a cause, and I’m really excited to continue that journey with Rural Aid.”

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said Sam’s passion for rural communities and her ability to connect with people made her a natural fit for the role.

“Sam has an incredible ability to bring people together and get people talking,” Mr Warlters said.

“What she achieved through The Big Wheel was remarkable, but it was the purpose behind it that really stood out.

“Sam understands the importance of community and looking out for one another. We’re delighted she’ll continue using her platform to raise awareness of mental health and support people in rural and remote Australia.”

Through its work across rural and remote Australia, Rural Aid supports farmers and rural communities through challenging times, including drought, flood and fire, while investing in community development and mental health wellbeing initiatives.

For Sam, the Ambassador role is a chance to build on the momentum of The Big Wheel and continue supporting the communities that inspired her journey.

“The finish line in Yass wasn’t really the end,” Sam said.

“It feels more like the start of something. I want to keep the conversation going and remind people in rural communities that when times are tough, they don’t have to go through it alone.”

Australians can continue Sam’s mission by supporting Rural Aid and helping ensure farmers and rural communities have access to practical assistance, connection and wellbeing support when they need it most.

To support Rural Aid, visit ruralaid.org.au/donate or call 1300 327 624.

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