Rural Aid raises almost $200,000 in 24 hours for flood affected farmers

Posted on 3 March 20223 March 2022

In the space of just 24 hours, generous Australians have rallied to better the lives of flood affected farmers, through an outstanding donation effort. 

Almost $200,000 was raised by Rural Aid’s supporters on Tuesday alone. This included a $25,000 donation from energy infrastructure business APA Group.  

Primary producers affected by the tragic events are eligible to receive cash payments from Rural Aid as a direct result of the generous donations coming in. They can also access Rural Aid’s full suite of free support measures. 

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters thanked the public for their swift generosity, and has noted the outpouring of donations was one of the strongest shows of support in the leading rural charity’s recent history.  
Mr Warlters said the sense of loss and despair caused by the flooding tragedy has been felt right across the nation.

“Rural Aid’s counsellors are flat out right now. They’re comforting farmers in the Northern Rivers who’ve had hundreds of their cattle swept out to sea. They’re calling Lockyer Valley growers, who’ve lost their entire crop under metres of water. Unfortunately, our farmers are again on the frontline of yet another natural disaster,” Mr Warlters said.  There are currently 15,600 farmers registered with Rural Aid across the country. More than 1,800 of the registered primary producers live in flood affected zones.  Rural Aid farmers in the 18 disaster-declared Local Government Areas are eligible to apply for Rural Aid’s financial assistance. Registering with Rural Aid is quick and simple and best done via the website www.ruralaid.org.au.  “Financial assistance is just one of the support measures that Rural Aid offers our farmers in times of distress or disaster,” Mr Warlters said. “Rural Aid also provides free counselling, fodder and water drops, and access to our amazing volunteer platform, Farm Army.”  “We are so grateful for our generous supporters who never hesitate to dig deep when a crisis strikes. Thank you to all those who’ve donated so far,” Mr Warlters finished.   Donations can be made online at www.ruralaid.org.au/flood-appeal-2022 or by calling 1300 327 624. About Rural Aid  Rural Aid is Australia’s most trusted rural charity. We stand with our farmers when they need us most. Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance. Rural Aid’s community programs help create more sustainable communities by building stronger futures for all Australian farmers. Find out more at www.ruralaid.org.au    For more information or interviews, contact Rural Aid media on media@ruralaid.org.au or 0447 116 757.

Flood affected farmers urged to register with Rural Aid

Posted on 1 March 20228 March 2022

Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, is urging farmers to register with the organisation for disaster assistance, in the wake of the devastating floods in Eastern Australia.   Hundreds of farmers in Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales have been inundated by torrential rain and life-threatening floods.   Growers watched on helplessly as their beloved crops were swallowed by rising floodwaters. Graziers risked their lives to move stock to higher ground, as rivers swelled to record highs.   Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said it’s been a terrifying ordeal for many.   “The unrelenting rain over Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales has been distressing and dangerous,” Mr Warlters said.   “Our hearts go out to farmers who’ve had years of hard work washed away before their eyes.  “Rural Aid stands ready to assist our registered farmers as they face yet another crisis.”   Farmers across the Northern Rivers, Darling Downs, Wide Bay and Burnett are feeling the effects of this disaster.   Mr Warlters said Rural Aid Counsellors and Community Representatives had been busy calling our registered farmers in the affected areas.   “Rural Aid is committed to helping primary producers recover through wellbeing, financial and fodder assistance,” Mr Warlters said.   “For now, the most helpful thing Rural Aid can do is to check-in with our registered farmers, and urge un-registered farmers to sign up.  “When it’s safe to do so, Rural Aid counsellors will visit their farmers’ properties in person, to lend an ear and a helping hand.”  Primary producers are being encouraged to register with Rural Aid and in doing so can access a suite of assistance – be it financial, counselling, fodder, domestic water, or access to volunteers.   Farmers are urged to register online at www.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.    About Rural Aid  Rural Aid is Australia’s most trusted rural charity. We stand with our farmers when they need us most. Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance. Rural Aid’s community programs help create more sustainable communities by building stronger futures for all Australian farmers. Find out more at www.ruralaid.org.au    For more information or interviews, contact Rural Aid media on 0447 116 757.

Covid forces second postponement of Rural Aid Coolah visit

Posted on 28 February 202230 May 2023

Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, has postponed its “Our Towns” visit to Coolah for a second time.   Dozens of volunteers were due to descend on the central west this week for a week-long makeover of the town.   Regrettably, the continuing Covid-19 situation across Australia has put Rural Aid’s visit on hold for now.   Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the safety of the Coolah community, and the Rural Aid cohort, are of the highest importance.   “Rural Aid is committed to staying vigilant against the Covid-19 virus,” Mr Warlters said.   “Rural Aid doesn’t want to convene an event that may unknowingly lead to further spread of the virus.  “We’re frustrated to have to postpone Our Towns for a second time. But health and safety come first,” Mr Warlters said.   “We’re really looking forward to visiting Coolah as soon as possible. Fingers crossed for the third time lucky!”  The original Our Towns event was due to take place between the 8th and 14th of August 2021.  Due to Covid-19, Coolah’s Our Towns event was rescheduled to the 27th February – 5th March, 2022.  This date has now been put on hold.   New dates are currently being workshopped by Coolah’s local leaders and the Rural Aid team.   The award-winning Our Towns program is part of Rural Aid’s Stronger Futures initiative. Rural Aid is heavily invested in strengthening rural communities through its multi-faceted Stronger Futures program- giving locals the resources and confidence needed to help their region thrive.       For interviews or more information, contact Rural Aid media on 0447 116 757 or media@ruralaid.org.au

Inverell community groups urged to take part in new Connection Day

Posted on 24 February 202224 February 2022

Northern Tablelands community groups have today been invited to a new Connection Day in Inverell.

The inaugural Connection Day will take place on Saturday the 2nd of April, 2022, at Inverell’s Campbell Street Park.

Organiser and Rural Aid Counsellor and Community Representative, Heidi Gray, said the day will showcase Inverell’s service providers, sporting teams and schools.

“The Connection Day will be full of colour and community,” Ms Gray said.
“We’ll have service providers galore; club sign-ons, interactive stalls, lip-syncing contests, TikTok competitions and live bands. It’s going to be a great afternoon out for the whole family.”

Inverell Shire Council Mayor Paul Harmon has welcomed the new event.
“The Northern Tablelands was hit particularly hard by drought,” Mr Harmon said.

“We were then thrown straight into Covid-19 lockdowns. The upcoming Connection Day will be a fantastic chance for everyone to catch up on the past few years.”

Connection Day organisers have today invited community groups, service providers, sports teams and local schools to get involved in the day. “Connection Day is a chance to catch up with friends, neighbours and to create new connections within the community. Being together is such an important part of rural life and having missed out on that the past couple of years has been tough,” Ms Gray said. “It’s vital to the health of small towns to be social, stay connected and know which services are available to support all members of our community.” The Connection Day will run from 3pm to 8pm on Saturday April the 2nd at Campbell Street Park. Stallholder Expressions of Interest are open until the first week of March. Expressions of interest can be sent to Heidi Gray at heidi.gray@ruralaid.org.au Heidi can also be contacted on 0476 685 834. About Rural Aid Rural Aid is Australia’s most trusted rural charity. We stand with our farmers when they need us most. Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance. Rural Aid’s community programs help create more sustainable communities by building stronger futures for all Australian farmers. Find out more at www.ruralaid.org.au Please get in touch if you’d like any photos For more information or interviews, contact Rural Aid media on 0447 116 757.

Farming families start 2022 with Rural Aid in their corner

Posted on 10 February 202210 February 2022

Farming families start 2022 with Rural Aid in their corner Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, is helping farming families start their year on the right foot. CEO John Warlters said Rural Aid is standing with the nation’s primary producers as they face weather, pandemic and workforce challenges. “Members of Rural Aid’s 16-strong Mental Health and Wellbeing team are on the ground in bushfire and flood affected parts of Australia, helping farmers get back on their feet,” Mr Warlters said. Rural Aid counsellors and community representatives have been assisting West Australian farmers following bushfires, Victorian and South Australian farmers in the wake of freak storms and Queensland farmers after major flooding. “Rural Aid staff have also been working hard to distribute new water tanks and wooden fence posts to our registered farmers throughout the holiday period,” Mr Warlters said. Rural Aid is facilitating a water tank rollout across Australia, and a recycled fence post program in Victoria. “We also have an army of dedicated volunteers, ready and waiting to provide farmers with a helping hand and to support the development of rural towns, as a part of our national Our Towns program.” Mr Warlters said the importance of family farms cannot be overstated in 2022. According to the National Farmers Federation, of the approximately 85,000 farms in Australia, 99pc are family owned and operated. “Family farms are the powerhouses of Aussie agriculture,” Mr Warlters said. “Supply chains have again been pushed to breaking point in the latest wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. “But family farms haven’t missed a beat and continue to feed the nation with world class produce. “There is no shortage of fruit, vegetables or meat on our farms. The challenge is ensuring the world class produce grown locally by our farmers finds its way from the farm to the shop shelf without interruption.” “We’re indebted to the agricultural enterprises that feed us all and help keep our economy strong. It’s vital we do all we can to keep them surviving and thriving. Our farmers should be nationally recognised more often. “Rural Aid will continue to stand with farmers and their families by providing practical assistance when required, financial support to ease the pressure, and access to our expanded team of counsellors,” Mr Warlters finished. To register as a primary producer with Rural Aid, visit https://www.ruralaid.org.au/ For more information or interviews, contact Rural Aid media on media@ruralaid.org.au or 0447 116 757.