Gayndah farmers receive hay from Rural Aid

Posted on 3 December 202131 October 2023

Farmers in the North Burnett have today received dozens of donated hay bales to help offset the ongoing dry conditions.  

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the hay and its delivery costs were generously donated by a prominent beef and cattle business. “Rural Aid is very grateful for the support of its corporate partners,” Mr Warlters said.

“This hay drop has provided local farmers with enough fodder to take care of their livestock for the next little while. This takes a sizable burden off their minds and allows them to spend their money on other necessities.” 

The hay deliveries were split over two weeks. One truck arrived Friday the 22^nd of October, and the other truck today, Friday the 5^th of November. In total, 72 hay bales were delivered to North Burnett farmers.  

“The North Burnett is still very much in drought,” Mr Warlters said.

“We’ve heard multiple farmer reports of below average rainfall for the year. Our farmers are still pushing on through abnormally dry conditions. Hay drops like these also give farmers a chance to take some time off their property to catch up with their neighbour for a cuppa. The benefits from a hay drop certainly don’t stop at the financial level,” Mr Warlters finished.

Rural Aid is urging farmers to register and to reach out if they need a hand. Rural Aid provides fodder, financial, water and mental wellbeing assistance to registered primary producers.  

Farmers can register at www.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624. 
For more information contact Ash Whittaker from Rural Aid media on 0447 116 757 or media@ruralaid.org.au  

Editors please note: The beef and cattle business that generously donated the hay and transport costs wishes to remain anonymous.

ENDS

Rural Aid delivers free water tank to Shepparton farmer

Posted on 3 December 202131 October 2023

Australia’s leading rural charity, Rural Aid, has facilitated the delivery of a 22,500L water tank and load of water to dairy farmer Fiona Rourke.

Rural Aid has partnered with Finish and Coles as part of the #FinishWaterWaste initiative to deliver 100 tanks to farmers in drought prone and low rainfall regions. The tanks provide vital water security ahead of future droughts.

“The Millennium Drought and those that followed devastated our farmlands, communities and livelihoods,” Katandra West farmer Fiona Rourke said.

“There is a persistent uncertainty and pressure on water availability in our region, causing great strain on our livestock and ability to care for our families, so the delivery of this water tank makes a big difference in supporting farming communities into the future.”

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said, “Every drop of water is precious, so to be part of an initiative that encourages us to use it wisely while also assisting our farmers is especially powerful.

“While many farmers are experiencing their first decent run of the seasons in years, there is still a long way to go before farmers are back on track, financially and emotionally. The memories of empty tanks and dusty paddocks are just below the surface for many. 

“Having an extra tank at home will make the drought recovery a little easier for our farmers. It will also give them an added safety net heading into the next dry period. Improved water security and retention can help lessen the impact of drought,” Mr Warlters finished.

Reckitt Hygiene Regional Director, Oliver Tatlow, said,“The Shepparton farming community has faced incredible strain in recent months, both from Victoria’s water resources that continue to be under pressure and the impact the pandemic has had on livelihoods. So, we’re incredibly pleased we can support our farmers in this region to capture precious rainfall today and into the future, giving them, their families and properties water security.”

For more information or for interviews, contact Rural Aid media on 0447 116 757 or media@ruralaid.org.au

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Farmers offered support through floods and heavy rains

Posted on 1 December 202131 October 2023

Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, is reaching out to farmers who’ve been affected by recent rain and flood events. Much of Australia’s east coast has undergone a drenching in recent weeks, with more rain predicted in coming days. The downpours have filled water storages and tanks to the highest level seen in decades. But the wet conditions have also hindered many farmers trying to harvest their winter crops. Flooding has also swept away fencing, crumbled vital roads and damaged infrastructure. Rural Aid counsellors and community representatives have been visiting impacted areas and phoning flooded-in farmers, as part of a community-wide response. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the rain has received mixed welcomes. “It’s fantastic to see our water storages filled to overflowing after so many years of bone-dry dams and empty creeks,” Mr Warlters said. “The memories of crippling drought are still very raw, so to have an abundance of water is a joyful experience that many farmers have spent years wishing for. But as is often the way in Australia, droughts are chased away by flooding rains. “Some of our farmers have told us this season’s crop was the best they’d ever had in the ground. But just days out from harvest, the rain dealt their crops a fatal blow. They’ve had to watch their year’s income get washed away, or ‘sprung and shot’ growth before they could get in with the harvester.” Rural Aid Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager Lauren Stracey recently visited farmers in the Forbes region with the National Recovery and Resilience Agency. “Some of our farmers who’ve endured disaster after disaster say that this flood has ‘floored them’,” Ms Stracey said. “If farmers are facing a disappointing harvest, it’s important to take a moment to recognise how tough that is. It’s devastating to make it to the eleventh hour and to then have the rug pulled from under your feet. Farmers need time to process losses like these. This might mean spending some special, dedicated time with family or taking time off the farm to recharge their batteries.” Farmers are encouraged to reach out to Rural Aid if they need assistance. Rural Aid can provide wellbeing assistance through its free counselling program or financial assistance and fodder support. Rural Aid can be contacted on 1300 327 624 or by going online to www.ruralaid.org.au For more information or for interviews, contact Rural Aid media on 0447 116 757 or media@ruralaid.org.au 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

Rural Aid triples counselling team

Posted on 18 November 202131 October 2023

Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, has made its biggest investment into improving regional mental health to date. The charity is appointing ten new counsellors across the country this year, committing $3.75 million over the next three years to help address the yawning gaps in regional mental healthcare. Nine of Rural Aid’s new counsellors are already in place, actively serving their regional community. Rural Aid counsellors offer free, confidential support to farmers and their families. Rural Aid’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Team prefer to visit farmers on their properties. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said “Rural Aid’s commitment to placing counsellors in rural Australia will save lives.” “We know people who live regionally have poorer access to health professionals and are more likely to struggle with their mental health due to lack of appropriate and timely support. Farmers and rural teenagers have more than double the rate of suicide compared to urban populations*. Rural Aid is desperately trying to change that.” Liz Bellette-Stubbs is one of Rural Aid’s new counsellors and is based in Bega, New South Wales. “What drew me to Rural Aid was how accessible their wellbeing program is,” Mrs Bellette-Stubbs said. “Not only are the counsellors available without a huge waiting list, but we’re free too. Farmers are often so stretched that they can’t afford to buy feed for their animals, let alone spend money on themselves.” Mr Warlters said Rural Aid’s counsellors were mental wellbeing specialists who counsel, teach and refer clients to higher levels of care. “We know that investing in early intervention achieves results. It leads to a reduction in the number of people who require acute treatment. This is achieved through the provision of mental wellbeing education, tools and pathways for assistance at the preventative end. Rural Aid counsellors are qualified to assist farmers across the continuum of mental health, from prevention and early intervention, right through to treatment,” Mr Warlters said. “If we can get to people early, have them recognise symptoms and get some simple but effective strategies, we help them before things escalate to the point they need hospitalisation. This will reduce pressure on the health system while prevention strategies will help rural people to live their best lives they can. “Our counselling program has been highly successful; making a real difference to the farmers that Rural Aid supports. Our counsellors work with their community to create and implement vital mental health programs and strategies. Rural Aid counsellors build trusted relationships with their local communities. Our counsellors also attend field days, events and natural disaster sites.” Rural Aid’s new counsellors are based in: Mildura, Vic Bairnsdale, Vic Geelong, Vic Inverell, NSW Bega, NSW Berri, SA Port Augusta, SA Northam, WA Wagin, WA ^ Please note, Rural Aid is currently sourcing another counsellor.The new counsellors add to Rural Aid’s existing team of counsellors based in: Wodonga, VIC Ipswich, Qld Toowoomba, Qld Cessnock, NSW West Wyalong, NSW For more information on Rural Aid’s counsellors, visit their profiles here: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/counsellors/ For pre-recorded grabs from Rural Aid CEO John Warlters, click here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3rarim00xnkhybr/John%20Warlters%20counselling%20expansion%20grabs.mp4?dl=0 For more information or for interviews, contact Ash Whittaker from Rural Aid media on 0447 116 757 or by emailing media@ruralaid.org.au 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 *Swinburne University Phase One Review Report, 2020

Rural Aid celebrates National Agriculture Day by encouraging pizza lovers to share a slice with a farmer

Posted on 18 November 202131 October 2023

Round Up your friends for a pizza party with a difference  Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, is encouraging the public to celebrate our farmers on National Agriculture Day by ordering a Domino’s pizza this Friday 19 November.  Rural Aid announced its partnership with Domino’s registered charity Give for Good earlier this year. It’s fitting that the two organisations are celebrating National Agriculture Day by encouraging pizza lovers to ‘Round Up’ their online order, with all funds raised on the day donated directly to Rural Aid. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the one-day Round Up offer was a great way to pay homage to our farmers.  “National Agriculture Day is about celebrating the enormous efforts our farmers go to, to put food on our tables and clothes on our backs,” Mr Warlters said.  “Our farmers have been through a tumultuous year; ongoing drought recovery has been made harder by record-breaking floods. The pandemic has hampered workforces and supply chains and there’s been a horrendous mouse plague to top it off.  “Donating a few dollars to Rural Aid by enjoying a delicious pizza made with produce from local farmers is a fitting way to celebrate National Agriculture Day, and say thank you to Aussie farmers,” Mr Warlters said.   “Domino’s and Give for Good have been valued supporters of Rural Aid for years. Their commitment to purchasing local produce means they are aware of the many challenges farmers face. Rural Aid is proud to partner with Give for Good, Domino’s, and its customers to help them give back to our rural communities and these donations will make a real difference to farmers’ lives,” Mr Warlters finished.  Give for Good Chief Giving Officer Tracy Llewelyn said Give for Good was passionate about supporting Australian farmers and celebrating their hard work every day but never more so than on National Agriculture Day. “Domino’s are able to bring people closer together by delivering piping hot pizzas with fresh, tasty ingredients provided by our Australian farmers. We are a food business and therefore looking after those who help make our fresh produce a reality is something we are extremely passionate about. “We hope that people get together across the country this Friday to enjoy a slice after Rounding Up, knowing their small change will be making a big difference to our farmers.”   For more information, contact Rural Aid media on media@ruralaid.org.au or 0447 116 757.   For more information on National Ag Day #AgDayAU visit www.agday.org.au  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. About Give for Good In 2016, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises established registered charity, Give for Good. Its purpose is to give back to the community in which Domino’s Pizza Enterprises franchisees and employees operate. Give for Good’s Giving Philosophy focuses on four key pillars – Rural Communities, Disaster Relief, Leadership and Entrepreneurship, and Education and Youth Initiatives – where we aim to develop sustainable best practices, assistance and support to make a difference to our local communities.