NT Farmers Impacted by Flooding Can Access Support from Rural Aid

Photo by ABC News
Photo by ABC News

Rural Aid is urging farmers across the Northern Territory affected by recent flooding to reach out for support as heavy rainfall and rising waters continue to impact rural communities.

Flooding along river systems, including the Katherine and Daly Rivers, has left properties isolated, made roads impassable, and created challenges for farmers trying to access paddocks, move livestock, and inspect damage to fencing, sheds, and other farm infrastructure. Other regions across the Top End are also experiencing significant rainfall, and the situation remains unpredictable in some areas.
 
For farmers dealing with these conditions, assessing the impact on farms and planning recovery can be overwhelming. Rural Aid encourages anyone affected to contact us as soon as possible. The charity provides practical support to help farmers manage the immediate challenges of flooding and begin recovery, including:

  • Financial assistance for urgent or unexpected expenses
  • Professional counselling and wellbeing support for farmers and their families
  • Hay deliveries for livestock during recovery periods
  • Water deliveries for drinking and household needs
  • Volunteer assistance through the Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the organisation is ready to support farmers across the Northern Territory as the floodwaters continue.
 
“Flooding can make access to farms difficult and disrupt daily operations, while also placing real pressure on farming families,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“Many farmers are facing the task of checking livestock, assessing damage to essential infrastructure, and planning clean-up, all while conditions are still changing. We want farmers to know that help is available. If your farm has been affected, please get in touch. Our team is ready to provide practical support and advice.”
 
Farmers seeking assistance can call 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au to connect with Rural Aid and access available services.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Across the country, we provide practical, timely and meaningful assistance through a team of passionate, committed professionals who understand the unique pressures of rural life.

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

As Floodwaters Rise Across Queensland, Rural Aid Encourages Farmers to Seek Support

Photo by ABC News
Photo by ABC News

Leading rural charity Rural Aid is reminding farmers across flood-affected parts of Queensland that support is available as widespread heavy rainfall and flooding continue to impact rural communities across the state.

Large areas of Queensland have recorded significant rainfall in recent weeks, with flooding and road closures affecting parts of the Wide Bay–Burnett, Central Queensland and Sunshine Coast regions, while communities further north and west continue to deal with saturated ground and rising rivers.
 
In the North West of Queensland, towns such as Julia Creek have already received 503 mm of rain since 1 January — more than the annual average in just over two months. For many farming families, the ongoing rain is making it difficult to access properties, move livestock and assess damage to crops, fencing, sheds and other essential infrastructure.
 
Rural Aid is encouraging farmers impacted by the ongoing flooding to reach out.  Help is available as they manage the immediate challenges and begin the recovery process.
 
Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the organisation is closely monitoring conditions across Queensland and is ready to assist farmers as the situation develops.
 
“Many farming families across Queensland are dealing with extremely wet conditions and the challenges that come with that,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“In many cases farmers are still waiting for water to recede before they can fully assess the impact on their properties.”
 
“We want farmers to know that support is available. If you’ve been impacted and need a hand, we encourage you to contact Rural Aid on 1300 327 624 or visit ruralaid.org.au.”
 
Rural Aid offers a range of free services for farmers, including:

  • Financial assistance for urgent or unexpected expenses
  • Professional counselling and wellbeing support for farmers and their families
  • Hay deliveries for livestock during recovery periods
  • Water deliveries for drinking and household needs
  • Volunteer support through the Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs to assist with on-ground recovery tasks

Farmers seeking assistance can call 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au to learn more about available support.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Across the country, we provide practical, timely and meaningful assistance through a team of passionate, committed professionals who understand the unique pressures of rural life.

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

Premiership Winner Corey Jensen Joins Rural Aid as Ambassador

Australian rural charity Rural Aid is proud to announce rugby league premiership-winning forward Corey Jensen as its newest ambassador, strengthening the organisation’s connection with regional Australia and the communities it serves.

A proud Queenslander who grew up in Bowen, Corey maintains strong family ties to the region’s agricultural and horticultural industries. His firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by farming families and rural communities makes him a natural advocate for Rural Aid’s mission.
 
Corey has built a reputation as a hardworking and respected forward at the highest level of professional rugby league. Since making his top-flight debut in 2017, he has earned recognition for his consistency, resilience, and commitment both on and off the field. Last year, he achieved the ultimate success in the game, playing a key role in a premiership-winning side.
 
Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said Corey’s appointment comes at a crucial time for rural Australia.
 
“Corey represents the values we see every day in the bush – hard work, humility and strength,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“Having someone of Corey’s profile join the Rural Aid family helps us shine a national spotlight on the very real challenges facing farmers and rural communities, from natural disasters and financial stress to mental health pressures.
 
“Importantly, Corey understands these challenges because he has lived them through his family and his upbringing in a regional town like Bowen. His voice will help bridge the gap between the city and the country.”
 
As an ambassador, Corey will support Rural Aid to help inform the public about the vital work we do and the challenges facing farming communities. Through his role in professional sport, he will help amplify conversations about the pressures facing primary producers and the importance of standing behind rural Australia.
 
Through his involvement, Rural Aid aims to further elevate the stories of farmers on the land, encourage community support, and drive practical assistance, while also ensuring farmers and their families know Rural Aid is here and ready to help when it’s needed most.
 
Corey said he was proud to represent Rural Aid and give back to the communities that shaped him.
 
“I’m extremely honoured to be associated with an organisation like Rural Aid. My wife is from a grazing family and is a qualified veterinarian who travels a lot to remote cattle farms, so I’ve seen and heard first-hand how tough and challenging life can be on the farm,” Corey said.
 
“The work never ends, and success on the property can be heavily reliant on the weather, which in turn can’t be controlled. From drought to floods, families’ livelihoods can be heavily affected. Having an organisation like Rural Aid is vital to assist these families in any way possible when unexpected events occur.”
 
Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers and rural communities across the country, delivering financial assistance, mental health counselling, water and hay, and ongoing support before, during and after natural disasters.
 
For more information about Rural Aid and its programs, visit www.ruralaid.org.au.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Across the country, we provide practical, timely and meaningful assistance through a team of passionate, committed professionals who understand the unique pressures of rural life.

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

Rain Brings Cautious Optimism to Drought-Affected Farmers

Recent widespread rainfall across parts of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia is providing cautious optimism for drought-affected farming communities. Farmers have welcomed the break in dry conditions, with early signs of improved soil moisture and minor pasture response in some regions.

However, the situation is far from uniform. Large areas remain in drought, and for many, one rainfall event will not be enough to change seasonal outlooks. In other pastoral regions, floodplains and low-lying areas, heavy falls have created new risks, with flash flooding, runoff and localised damage to fences, roads and infrastructure widely reported.
 
Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said while the rain offers relief, farmers are remaining cautious.
 
“This rain is a welcome reprieve for many, but the heavy downpours in some areas can create flash flooding and sudden access problems,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“It is a reminder that recovery is rarely straightforward. Some communities are seeing relief, others are dealing with new challenges, and many are still waiting for their long-awaited rain.”
 
Throughout the prolonged drought, Rural Aid has provided practical and financial support to thousands of farming families, including hay drops, domestic water deliveries, mental health counselling and direct financial assistance.
 
“Our focus has always been to stand with farmers through the tough times,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“Whether it’s drought, flooding or the difficult months in between, Rural Aid will continue to support rural communities every step of the way.”
 
Rural Aid Counsellor Dorothy Crosby, based in Quorn SA, has been speaking directly with farmers across affected regions and says the emotional impact of this season remains complex.
 
“Farmers are telling me they feel relieved to finally see rain, but that relief is mixed with uncertainty,” Ms Crosby said.
 
“For some, it’s the first decent fall in a long time and it brings hope. For others, especially where the rain has been heavy, it’s created new worries around flooding, access and damage to infrastructure.”
 
Ms Crosby said the recent rain has left many farming families feeling quietly optimistic.
 
“Farmers are feeling hopeful and are looking to the forecast for more rain in the coming week to really build on what’s fallen.”
 
“While there’s still a long road ahead for many, this break in the season has lifted spirits and given farming families a much-needed sense of optimism.”
 
Rural Aid is urging farmers still experiencing drought, as well as those impacted by flooding or infrastructure damage, to seek support. Assistance is available nationwide, and the organisation continues to monitor conditions closely as the situation evolves.
 
Farmers can access support now by calling 1300 327 624 or visiting www.ruralaid.org.au. Rural Aid is here to help.
 
As farming communities navigate the ongoing impacts of floods, fires, cyclones and prolonged drought, Rural Aid is also calling on Australians to back its Together with Farmers, Every Step of the Way Appeal.
 
Rural Aid’s disaster and recovery support is made possible through the generosity of individuals, businesses and corporate partners. Donations to the appeal help fund practical assistance, wellbeing support and essential services for farmers in need.
 
To donate and stand with farming families, visit www.everystep.ruralaid.org.au.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Across the country, we provide practical, timely and meaningful assistance through a team of passionate, committed professionals who understand the unique pressures of rural life.

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

Support Available for NT and Western QLD Farmers After Flooding

Photo by ABC News
Photo by ABC News

Leading rural charity Rural Aid is encouraging farmers across the Northern Territory and Western Queensland to reach out for support following recent flooding across parts of the region.

Many producers are beginning clean-up and recovery efforts as they assess the impact on livestock, fencing, sheds, access roads and other essential farm infrastructure.
 
With unsettled weather conditions continuing in some areas, Rural Aid is reminding primary producers that assistance is available and encouraging anyone impacted to get in touch.
 
The charity is also calling on the broader community to stand behind affected farmers. Donations made through the Rural Aid website help ensure producers can access support quickly, begin recovery work, and maintain Australia’s food and fibre supply.
 
Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said Rural Aid is closely monitoring conditions across the NT and Western Queensland.
 
“We know flooding events can place significant pressure on farming families and rural communities,” Mr Warlters said. “Recovery can take time, and the impacts aren’t always immediately visible. We want producers to know support is available. If you’ve been affected, please reach out — our team is here to help.”
 
Rural Aid provides a broad range of free services to farmers, including:

  • Financial assistance for immediate or unexpected expenses
  • Professional counselling and wellbeing support for farmers and their families
  • Hay deliveries for livestock during recovery periods
  • Water deliveries for drinking and household needs
  • Volunteer support through the Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs to assist with on-ground recovery tasks

Assistance is available now for farmers in the Northern Territory and Western Queensland. 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. Across the country, we provide practical, timely and meaningful assistance through a team of passionate, committed professionals who understand the unique pressures of rural life.

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