The Spirit of the Bush on Showcase 

Posted on 11 November 202411 November 2024

The rugged beauty and vibrant community spirit of local Australian communities are highlighted in the winning photos of Rural Aid’s Spirit of the Bush competition. 

Now in its fifth year, the Spirit of the Bush photography competition received over 450 entries, which were narrowed down to sixteen winning photographs. Each winning photographer will receive a $250 pre-paid VISA card and have their photos featured in Rural Aid’s 2025 Spirit of the Bush calendar. 

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters noted that the quality of submissions reached new heights this year. 

“It was a challenging task to select the photos for next year’s calendar,” he said. “Australia’s agricultural industry encompasses a diverse array of landscapes, practices, and communities, so it was essential for our calendar to vividly portray these stories and locations.” 

Mr Warlters encouraged the public to support farmers by purchasing the calendar, as all proceeds will go to Rural Aid. 

“By buying this calendar, you’ll not only enjoy 12 months of stunning imagery but also provide much-needed assistance to our mates in the bush,” he said. 

“As Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid stands by our farmers, offering life-changing disaster relief, fodder and water supplies, and mental health services. Our farmers play a crucial role in putting food on our tables, and purchasing a Spirit of the Bush Calendar is a simple way to say thank you.” 

The 2025 Spirit of the Bush Calendar is available for pre-order on Rural Aid’s website at https://shop.ruralaid.org.au/. 

List of winners: 

First name	Last name	Closest town	State
Brenda	McColl	Barraba	NSW
Neil	Kendall	Brisbane	QLD
Tamara	Ward	Tincurrin	WA
Kellie	Craft	Pittsworth	QLD
Ingrid	Makowski	Vermont South	VIC
Lei’Lani	Hrubizna	Booubyjan	QLD
Richard	Poulish	Broome	WA
Paula	McIver	Barraba	NSW
Roxanne	Weston	Alpha	QLD
Martin	Cansell	Grays Point	NSW
Sharon	Woods	Parkes	NSW
Anna	Nunn	Wooltana	SA
Debbie	Cristinelli	Tambellup	WA

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, please contact Rural Aid Media and Communications Officer Daniel Brown on 0447 116 757 or at daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au.

Supporting Kids’ Resilience in Northern Rivers: Mustering Growth Program Continues 

Posted on 22 October 202422 October 2024

Northern Rivers, NSW 

Rural Aid is thrilled to announce the continuation of the ‘Mustering Growth’ program, a focused initiative designed to enhance the wellbeing and resilience of primary students in regional and rural Australia. Over the next two months, the program will expand to two additional schools, Modanville Public School and Channon Public School, bringing the total to 15 schools that have benefited from this impactful rollout. 

Comprising five sessions, the program aims to bolster resilience, improve mental health, and foster personal growth among rural schoolchildren. It equips students with essential tools and strategies to manage the unique pressures of rural life, particularly as they face challenges like recovery from natural disasters. 

In recent years, the Northern Rivers region has experienced catastrophic floods and ‘Mustering Growth’ represents a vital step toward providing the support and resources needed for long-term wellbeing and sustainable development. 

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters remarked, “The ‘Mustering Growth’ program reflects our broader commitment to helping rural communities thrive, not just survive. By tackling the economic and mental health challenges our farmers face, we aim to empower them with the knowledge and support necessary for success.” 

Since 2023, Rural Aid has delivered Mustering Growth to almost 800 students, not just in the Northern Rivers, but across the country. 

Mr Warlters said the program had been embraced by students and teachers alike and Rural Aid was now being asked to return to schools to deliver the program to the next cohort of kids. “That invitation to return to schools and equip another group of kids with important life skills that will help set them up for the future is a wonderful validation of Mustering Growth,” Mr Warlters said. 

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, please contact Rural Aid Media and Communications Officer Daniel Brown on 0447 116 757 or at daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au.

Rural Aid and Erebus Join Forces to Support Australian Farmers at Bathurst 1000

Posted on 10 October 202410 October 2024

rebus Motorsport Camaros will proudly showcase Rural Aid branding as they take to the Mountain this weekend to raise awareness of the challenges facing Australian farmers.

Founded in 2015, Rural Aid provides vital support to farmers before, during, and after natural disasters. Offering services like counselling, water deliveries, fodder for livestock, and financial assistance, Rural Aid plays a key role in helping farmers and rural communities remain resilient. With climate events becoming more frequent, the need for Rural Aid’s services continues to grow.

Erebus owner Betty Klimenko said since becoming part of a rural community herself she had seen just how hard it is for farmers to stay afloat. 

“It’s heartbreaking to know that some families are being forced to leave properties that have been in their name for generations. Every farming family we lose is another scar on our land,” Betty said.

“These are the people who produce our food, and if we don’t support them, we risk losing something essential. Every time we choose to buy imported food, it’s money that doesn’t go back into the pockets of Australian farmers. 

“It’s not just about keeping farms in business; it’s about ensuring that future generations can continue to grow food here in Australia. If we don’t support our own farmers, what happens when they’re gone?”

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said since Rural Aid’s inception it has supported nearly 18,000 farmers through some of the toughest years in recent history. The $50,000 donation from Erebus would help to continue that vital work.

“The support from Erebus Motorsport, Betty and Daniel will allow Rural Aid to assist even more farmers. Whether it’s providing emergency drinking water, fodder, or a chat with one of our counsellors, these services are in high demand. The challenges keep coming for our farming families, and with this partnership, we can be there when they need us the most. 

Erebus owner Betty Klimenko has witnessed firsthand the difficulties farmers face since becoming part of a rural community.” 

Through its partnership with Rural Aid, Erebus Motorsport aims to rally fans and the public to support Australia’s farming communities at one of the country’s most-watched motorsport events, the Bathurst 1000.

For more information on how to support Australian farmers, visit www.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 

Source:
Speedcafe – https://speedcafe.com/erebus-makes-50k-donation-kilmenko-bathurst-1000/
Autoaction – https://autoaction.com.au/2024/10/10/erebus-backing-the-farmers

Rural Aid supports the Healthier Rural Australia Campaign

Posted on 4 October 20244 October 2024

lliance (NRHA) petition submitted to Australian Parliament this month to build a healthier future for rural Australia.

The NRHA submitted the petition calling for a 10-year National Rural Health Strategy that includes advocating for better access to services, promoting health education, and enhancing community engagement.

Nearly 30 percent of Australians living and working outside of cities are being denied the basic human right to health and are dying younger than their urban counterparts. “We recognise that access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge for many in rural communities. It is our collective responsibility to address these inequalities.” Said John Warlters Rural Aid CEO.

Rural Aid is dedicated to improving the mental health outcomes of rural Australia. The Rural Aid Mental Health and Wellbeing team is made up of experienced counsellors who are based in rural towns across the country.

“Our work with farmers and rural communities is embedded in improving access to essential services. Supporting the NRHA’s petition allows us to advocate for stronger healthcare systems that benefit all rural Australians.” said Rural Aid’s Mental Health Manager Myf Pitcher.

“At Rural Aid, we believe that every Australian deserves access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of their location. By working together, we can make significant strides toward reducing health inequalities in rural areas and improving the lives of countless individuals and families.”

How Can You Help?
Join us in advocating for improved rural healthcare. Together, we can ensure that every person, regardless of their location, has access to the quality care they deserve. Sign the e-petition today and help create a healthier, more equitable future for rural and remote Australians.

Be the Change. Join us in championing for a healthier rural Australia.

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

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 supports National Farmer Rally

Posted on 10 September 202410 September 2024

Australia’s most trusted rural charity has thrown its support behind the National Farmer Rally in Canberra today (Tuesday, September 10) to stand up for the future of agriculture.  

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the nation’s farmers are feeling undervalued.  

“80 per cent of our farmers have reported they believe people don’t value the work and effort it takes to provide food and fibre,” Mr Warlters said.  

“These results, outlined in Rural Aid’s recent Pulse of the Paddock report, were echoed by studies from Norco and the National Farmers’ Federation.  

“It shows there is a gap between the general public’s understanding of farm life, and the harsh realities of life on the land,” Mr Warlters said.   

Mr Warlters said the National Farmer Rally will highlight the many challenges farmers face on a daily basis.  

“Having a well-supported, thriving agriculture industry is vital to every single Australian,” Mr Warlters said.  

“It’s an occupation that is challenging at the best of times, given the uncontrollable nature of weather, markets and factors such as government policy. 

“Rural Aid is enormously appreciative of the role of our farmers play in the community and economy.  

“Rural Aid is committed to standing with our mates in the bush when they need it most, and supporting farmers who are passionate about making a change,” Mr Warlters said.  

The National Farmer Rally is taking place at Canberra’s Federation Mall on Tuesday, September 10 at 11am.  

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, contact Rural Aid media on media@ruralaid.org.au or 0447 116 757.

Rural Aid’s Pulse of the Paddock report can be found here.