Category: News

Mounting global uncertainty driving increasing mental health concern in rural Australia

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Rural Aid is warning of rapidly escalating mental health pressures on Australian farmers, their families, and rural communities as conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global fuel and fertiliser supplies.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing instability have driven sharp increases in the cost, and in some cases the availability, of diesel and fertiliser, placing enormous strain on farming operations already under pressure.
 
For many farmers, it’s not just the rising costs, it’s the complete uncertainty around how long these conditions will last.
 
Rural Aid Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager, Myf Pitcher, said the unpredictability is one of the most damaging aspects.
 
“What we’re hearing is a level of stress that comes from not knowing where the ceiling is. Prices are rising, conditions are tightening, and there’s no clear end point. Farmers are being asked to make huge financial decisions in the dark.”
 
“Putting a crop in the ground right now can mean tens of thousands of dollars in upfront costs. When fuel and fertiliser prices are this volatile, that decision becomes incredibly confronting.”
 
These pressures are building at a time of significant climate vulnerability. An El Niño pattern is forecast to bring months of minimal rainfall, extending drought conditions across large parts of the country. Many farmers are also still recovering from a destructive summer of bushfires, cyclones and severe storms.
 
The combined weight of these challenges is being felt deeply across rural Australia.
 
“It’s not one issue, it’s everything coming at once. Financial pressure, seasonal uncertainty, recovery from disasters, and now global instability. It’s relentless, and it wears people down.”
 
Rising fuel costs are also driving a growing sense of isolation in rural communities. Everyday activities that once provided connection and support are increasingly out of reach.
“We’re hearing from families who are thinking twice about every single trip, whether it’s going into town, seeing friends, or picking kids up from boarding school. Fuel isn’t just a line item anymore, it’s shaping people’s lives.”
 
“When those connections start to fall away, people can become very isolated very quickly, and that has serious implications for mental health.”
 
Entire communities are also feeling the impact. Winter tourism, particularly from caravanners, is a vital source of income and social connection for many regional towns. With fuel prices surging, cancellations are already affecting local businesses and community morale.
 
“When the visitors stop coming, towns feel it immediately. There’s less activity, less energy, and less opportunity for people to connect. That has a ripple effect well beyond the economy.”
 
Rural Aid is urging farmers and rural community members not to face these pressures alone.
 
“We know people are carrying a lot right now. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, but it’s an important one. There are people ready to listen and help.”
 
Rural Aid provides confidential mental health and wellbeing support, with qualified counsellors based in every state at no cost to farmers. Counsellors can travel directly to farmers or provide support over the phone, removing the need for costly travel.
 
Farmers and their families can access support by calling Rural Aid on 1300 175 594 or visiting www.ruralaid.org.au.

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

Helping Central Coast farmers rebuild: Rural Aid heads to Mangrove Mountain

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Rural Aid is calling on Central Coast primary producers and volunteers to take part in its upcoming Farm Recovery Event (FRE) at Mangrove Mountain, running from 26 April to 1 May, as the region continues to rebuild following the devastating 2022 floods.

The week-long event will deliver hands-on, practical support to farming families still facing the long road to recovery. Volunteers from across Australia will work to restore damaged infrastructure, general farm repair work, and provide much-needed assistance for those who have faced challenging times.
 
From fencing and repairs to property clean-ups, gardening and general maintenance, the work completed during these events plays a vital role in helping farmers regain momentum after a disaster.
 
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the Mangrove Mountain event highlights the importance of ongoing recovery support for regional communities.
 
“Recovery doesn’t end when the floodwaters recede. For many farmers, the impacts are long-term and deeply felt across their businesses and personal wellbeing,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“These Farm Recovery Events are about more than just practical help – they’re about showing farmers they’re not alone, and that there are people willing to roll up their sleeves and support them.”
 
Support available for all primary producers
 
Rural Aid is encouraging all primary producers in the Mangrove Mountain and broader Central Coast region to reach out for support, emphasising that assistance is not limited to traditional farming sectors.
 
“Our support extends to all primary producers – whether you’re involved in livestock, poultry, horticulture, apiculture, aquaculture, or other agricultural industries,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“We encourage you to get in touch, we’re here to help. These events are designed to meet the diverse needs of regional communities.”
 
Primary producers who could use a helping hand can contact Rural Aid on 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au.
 
Volunteers needed for Mangrove Mountain recovery effort
 
At the same time, Rural Aid is calling for volunteers to join the Mangrove Mountain FRE. Located just over an hour from Sydney, the event offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals, families and groups to make a tangible difference in the lives of farming communities.
 
No prior experience is required, with volunteers of all skill levels welcomed.
 
Rural Aid volunteer Gaylene Ingram, who recently took part in a Farm Recovery Event in bushfire-affected Natimuk, Victoria, said the experience was both practical and deeply rewarding.
 
“We cleaned up around the house yard, cleared trees, fixed steps on the shearing shed and even repaired guttering – jobs the farmer often doesn’t have time to get to,” Ms Ingram said.
 
“Our team had a mix of skills, from farming to roofing and plumbing, and everyone just pitched in wherever they could.”
 
“It’s been a very rewarding experience. The volunteers are amazing people and it feels so good to give back to a community that’s had a disaster.”
 
Farmer Michael Sudholz, who received support during the Natimuk event, said the assistance made a real difference during a challenging time.
 
“It’s the sort of help you just can’t get to on your own when everything else is going on,” Mr Sudholz said.
 
For more information about volunteering or to sign up today, visit www.ruralaid.org.au.

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.

Media note:
Rural Aid representatives will be on site at the Mangrove Mountain Farm Recovery Event and available to assist media with coordinating interviews with volunteers and farmers. Vision and imagery from the event will also be made available.

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

Drought intensifies across eastern Australia in “perfect storm” of rising costs and dry conditions

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Rural Aid is warning a rapidly intensifying drought across New South Wales and southern and western Queensland is creating a “perfect storm” for farmers, with dry conditions now colliding with soaring fuel and fertiliser costs to place unprecedented pressure on farming businesses. With conditions expected to worsen under an emerging El Niño, many farmers are facing months without meaningful rainfall while costs continue to climb.

New modelling from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) shows drought conditions are expected to persist across the Riverina and Murray, while expanding across the Hunter, South East, North West and Northern Tablelands heading into winter.
 
With El Niño forecast to bring hotter, drier conditions, Rural Aid says many regions could face months without meaningful rainfall, placing enormous pressure on farming communities.
 
Drought by the numbers
 
The scale of the drought is already alarming:

  • Around 45 per cent of New South Wales is currently classified as drought affected, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries Combined Drought Indicator
  • Large areas of NSW are experiencing rainfall deficiencies in the lowest 5–10 per cent of historical records, based on Bureau of Meteorology rainfall data used in DPI modelling
  • Soil moisture conditions are extremely low across key cropping and grazing regions, with DPI indicators showing widespread “below average to extremely low” profiles limiting pasture and crop growth
  • Reduced catchment inflows and falling on-farm water reserves are increasing pressure on already strained water security across drought-affected regions

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the data only tells part of the story.
 
“This drought is hitting hard. There’s no feed in the paddocks, very little moisture in the soil, and farmers are under real pressure just to keep going, with the outlook offering little relief,” Mr Warlters said.
 
Record livestock sell-offs and abandoned crops
 
The deteriorating seasonal conditions are forcing farmers into drastic action, with saleyards reporting record or near-record yardings of cattle and sheep across parts of NSW and Queensland.
 
“We are seeing a surge in livestock hitting the market as farmers are left with no choice but to reduce stock numbers,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“For many, this isn’t a business decision – it’s a survival decision.”
 
Rural Aid is also hearing from grain growers making the difficult call not to plant at all this season.
 
“We’re now hearing from farmers who have decided not to sow crops this year – and that’s a huge red flag,” Mr Warlters said. “Less planting now means less food coming through the system, and that eventually flows through to supermarket shelves.”
 
“High fertiliser costs and dry soils are both playing a major role, and when you add the poor rainfall outlook, farmers are being forced into really hard decisions about whether they can even go ahead and plant,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“When farmers are stepping back from planting, it’s a sign of real pressure in the system, and the effects flow through production, income and regional communities well beyond the farm gate,” Mr Warlters said.
 
Soaring fuel and fertiliser costs deepening the crisis
 
Rural Aid says the drought is being compounded by sharp rises in key farm inputs.
 
Fertiliser prices have risen sharply amid ongoing disruption to global supply chains linked to the conflict in the Middle East and restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Urea, a key input for cropping, has moved from around $850 per tonne earlier in the season to above $1,300 per tonne in periods of tight supply.
 
Fuel costs also remain significantly elevated, increasing the cost of transporting feed, water and livestock
 
“Farmers are being squeezed from every direction – less rain, higher costs, and shrinking income,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“When you combine drought with rising fuel and fertiliser prices, it creates a perfect storm financially.”
 
In Dubbo in central west NSW, mixed cattle and cropping farmer Barry Wheeler says the challenges facing farmers are mounting.
 
“It’s pressure from every direction at the moment,” Mr Wheeler said. “Diesel and fertiliser are still very expensive, and there’s just no let-up in the cost of running a farm.”
 
“Soil moisture is very poor, which makes dry seeding a real risk. You’re basically gambling on rain that isn’t showing up, and that’s a hard call to make when you’ve already got so much on the line.”
 
“Running stock is getting harder every week. There’s not enough feed in the paddocks, hay is expensive, and then you’ve got transport costs on top of that just to bring feed in.”
 
“Interest rates going up just adds another layer. Every part of the business is under pressure – inputs, feed, finance, everything.”
 
“One of these things on its own, you can usually manage. But when it’s all happening at once like this – drought, costs, interest rates – it makes farming feel almost impossible.”
 
Mental health concerns rising
 
Rural Aid says the human toll of the drought and compounding pressure of high costs, cannot be overlooked, with growing concern about the mental health impacts on farming families.
 
“Drought is not just an environmental or economic issue – it’s a human one,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“We are hearing from farmers who are exhausted, overwhelmed and under immense pressure. The mental health impacts of prolonged drought are very real and very serious.”
 
Rural Aid ready to support farmers
 
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

Farmers seeking support can call 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au. Rural Aid is ready to help.
 
“No farmer should feel like they have to face this alone,” Mr Warlters said.
 
Australians urged to act
 
With conditions expected to worsen in coming months, Rural Aid is calling on Australians to support farmers in need.
 
“The drought is deepening, fuel and fertiliser prices aren’t easing, and these compounding challenges are taking an enormous toll on farmers. More than ever, Australians are being called on to stand by our farmers,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“Every donation helps Rural Aid deliver critical, on-the-ground assistance – whether that’s hay for livestock, domestic water for the family, or counselling support for a farmer who is facing difficult challenges.”
 
To show your support and donate today, visit www.ruralaid.org.au.

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

Rural Communities Hit Hardest as Fuel Prices Continue to Surge

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Rural Aid is warning that rural and remote communities across Australia are bearing the brunt of rising fuel prices driven by the escalating Iran War, with serious consequences for cost of living, access to essential services and mental health.

For many in the bush, fuel is not discretionary. Larger diesel vehicles, including 4WDs, utes and trucks are essential for daily life, enabling people to work, transport goods and travel vast distances for basic needs.
 
Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the current spike in fuel costs is placing significant and unsustainable pressure on rural Australians.
 
“Fuel is the lifeblood of rural communities. When prices surge like this, the impact is immediate and far-reaching,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“People in the city have options. In rural Australia, there is no public transport safety net and no way to simply cut back on travel. You still have to get to work, to school, to the doctor.”
 
Freight costs are also rising, driving up the price of essential goods including groceries, mail delivery, medicine and household supplies in rural towns.
 
“When it costs more to move goods, families in the bush are the ones who feel it most at the checkout,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“We are already seeing the cost of basic necessities climb, and that adds to the financial strain many rural families are experiencing.”
 
Diesel availability has also tightened in some regional areas, creating added uncertainty for farmers, transport operators and small businesses.
 
“In parts of rural Australia, access to diesel has become less predictable. That uncertainty adds another layer of pressure for people already managing rising costs,” he said.
 
The impacts extend well beyond agriculture and freight, with rural tourism and hospitality sectors also under threat as travellers reconsider plans due to fuel costs.
 
“Tourism is a critical part of many rural economies. If caravanners and visitors stay away because they can’t afford the fuel, that loss of income will be felt right across the community,” Mr Warlters said.
 
Adam and Prue Brancher, owners of the Eulo Queen Hotel in Outback Queensland said while rising fuel prices are being felt, rural communities remain resilient and welcoming.
 
“We’ve had a few cancellations as fuel prices have increased, but we’re staying positive and focusing on what we can control,” they said.
 
They said the impact of rising fuel costs is felt most in rural communities, where travel is essential.
 
“People out here travel big distances to be part of their community, and that’s not something you can just stop because fuel gets expensive,” they said.
 
Despite the challenges, they encouraged Australians to continue visiting rural communities.
 
“We’ll always welcome travellers. Take your time, slow down and spend more time in each town,” they said.
 
“Tourists bring more than money – they bring optimism and community spirit, and that makes a real difference.”
 
Rural Aid is also raising concerns about growing isolation in rural communities, as families cut back on travel to manage rising costs.
 
“We are hearing from people who are already reconsidering trips to see family, attend community and sporting events or even pick their children up from boarding school for the holidays,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“That kind of enforced isolation has real consequences. Community connection is vital in the bush, and when people start missing out, it takes a toll.”
 
Rural Aid’s Pulse of the Paddock survey found 94 per cent of farmers identified their community as critical to accessing services, yet 38 per cent already face barriers in accessing those services for themselves and their families. With travel costs increasing sharply, that figure is expected to rise significantly.
 
“Travel is often the biggest barrier to accessing support in rural Australia. As fuel prices climb, that barrier becomes even harder to overcome,” Mr Warlters said.
 
Rural Aid said the mental health implications of reduced mobility and increased financial stress cannot be overlooked.
 
“Rural Australians are incredibly strong, but they are under enormous pressure. Rising fuel and input costs, including fertiliser, are adding to existing stress on farming businesses,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“When people can’t afford to travel for medical appointments, social and sporting events or even a short break, it compounds that stress and increases the risk of poor mental health outcomes.”
 
“This is not just a cost-of-living issue. It’s about wellbeing, connection and the long-term sustainability of rural communities.”
 
Mr Warlters said targeted support is needed to ensure rural and remote Australians are not left behind.
 
“These communities are the backbone of this country, yet they are disproportionately impacted by global events like this,” he said.
 
“We need to make sure rural Australians are supported through this period and that their unique challenges are recognised.”
 
Rural Aid is encouraging anyone in need of support to reach out.
 
“We want rural Australians to know they are not alone. Rural Aid is here to help, whether that’s through financial assistance or access to free, confidential counselling services,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“If rising costs and isolation are starting to take a toll, we urge people to get in touch. Early support can make a real difference.”
 
For support, contact Rural Aid on 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. We deliver 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

Transport, Fertiliser and Fuel Costs Continue to Climb as Pressure Builds on Farmers

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Photo by ABC News
Photo by ABC News

Rural Aid is warning that pressures on Australian farmers are intensifying, with rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs continuing to escalate as global disruptions persist.

Rising input costs are increasingly affecting day-to-day farm operations. As harvest activity ramps up across multiple regions and preparations begin for upcoming sowing, higher diesel prices and supply constraints are increasing the cost of running machinery and bringing crops in. Diesel prices have risen sharply in recent days, increasing by 30 to 40 cents per litre in the past week alone. In some regional areas, prices have surged past $3 per litre, with further increases expected as global supply remains tight.
 
In addition to rising prices, fuel availability remains a major concern, with supply constraints emerging in some regional areas and adding further pressure during critical seasonal periods.
 
At the same time, higher fuel prices are driving up transport and freight costs, making it more expensive to move agricultural goods from farm to processor, port and market.
 
“When the cost of diesel rises, it impacts every stage of the supply chain – from operating machinery on farm through to transporting goods to market,” said John Warlters, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Aid.
 
“We’re hearing from farmers who are increasingly worried about how they’ll manage these rising fuel costs,” Mr Warlters said. “Harvesters can burn through hundreds of litres of diesel each day, and sustained price increases at this level are simply not sustainable for farming businesses.”
 
Fertiliser costs are also climbing ahead of the winter sowing season, with urea – a key nitrogen fertiliser – experiencing sharp price increases. Prices have surged from around $870 per tonne in late February to more than $1,200 per tonne in recent weeks, with some areas already reporting levels as high as $1,600 per tonne.
 
Australia relies heavily on imported fertiliser, particularly urea, with more than 90 per cent sourced from overseas, much of it moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions to this critical shipping route are adding further volatility to already elevated prices.
 
Without adequate fertiliser, crop yields can decline significantly, reducing farm productivity and the volume of food and fibre produced.
 
“Farmers are worried about securing fertiliser in time for sowing, and with fuel shortages already emerging, there’s growing concern about keeping essential farm operations running,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“Australia relies on stable global supply chains, and disruptions to major shipping routes create real challenges for farmers.”
 
These combined pressures are increasing the cost of producing and delivering Australian agricultural products at every stage of the supply chain, with impacts likely to be felt across both farming businesses and Australian households.
 
“All of this uncertainty is taking a toll on farming families,” Mr Warlters said. “When costs are rising this quickly and so much is outside your control, it creates real stress and makes it harder to plan ahead.”
 
Farmers in need of assistance are encouraged to contact Rural Aid by calling 1300 327 624 or visiting www.ruralaid.org.au. Australians who wish to support farming families can make a donation through the website to provide vital support to communities doing it tough.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. We deliver 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