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Rural Aid Calls for Farmer Registrations as Disasters Escalate Nationwide

Posted on 23 January 202623 January 2026

Farmers across Australia – particularly those in disaster-impacted regions – are strongly encouraged to register with Rural Aid now, as ongoing natural disasters and worsening weather conditions continue to threaten rural communities.

Large areas of Victoria are currently battling bushfires, while North Queensland continues to experience flooding and cyclone impacts, and parts of New South Wales face storms, heavy rainfall and damaging winds. With further bad weather forecast for the weekend, conditions are expected to deteriorate in many regions, placing additional strain on farmers already under pressure.

Rural Aid is urging farmers to register immediately to ensure support can be delivered as quickly as possible when it is needed most.

“Disasters don’t wait, and neither should farmers,” Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said.

“Registering with Rural Aid now means we can act fast when conditions worsen, whether that’s financial relief, counselling, or delivering hay and water to farmers who need it most.”

Rural Aid is already responding in disaster-affected regions, providing direct financial assistance to farmers in north-west Queensland and Victoria to help cover urgent and unexpected expenses as they recover from floods, fires and severe weather events.

“Our teams are already working in disaster zones, supporting farmers who are exhausted, overwhelmed and facing enormous uncertainty,” Mr Warlters said.

“By registering early, farmers ensure critical support can be delivered as quickly as possible when disasters strike.”

Rural Aid provides free support to registered farmers and their families, including:

Financial assistance for urgent and unexpected expenses
Professional counselling and wellbeing support
Hay deliveries to feed livestock
Water deliveries for household needs
Volunteer assistance through Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs

With severe weather forecast across multiple states this weekend — including dangerous fire conditions in Victoria and Western Australia and heavy rainfall and consequent flooding in parts of Queensland and New South Wales – Rural Aid is reinforcing the importance of early registration.

“Farmers are incredibly resilient, but they shouldn’t have to face disasters alone,” Mr Warlters said.

“We strongly encourage every farmer, especially those in high-risk areas, to register now so help can be mobilised immediately when it’s needed.”

Farmers should register for free immediately at faa.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.

Registering now ensures Rural Aid can act fast and deliver critical support as fires, floods and severe weather continue to impact rural Australia.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, committed to supporting farmers and rural communities through good times and tough. Since 2015, Rural Aid has been a vital lifeline in times of hardship, delivering practical assistance such as mental health counselling, hay, drinking water, and community connection initiatives. Now celebrating 10 years of service, the organisation continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with rural Australians, helping them overcome hardship, build resilience, and create stronger, more sustainable futures.

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

North Queensland Farmers Urged to Register for Support

Posted on 12 January 202612 January 2026

North Queensland farmers are showing extraordinary resilience, but we cannot mistake resilience for invincibility. Behind that strength are families facing real losses, exhaustion, and immense pressure from prolonged flooding and severe weather, with many still assessing the full extent of the damage.

To help communities navigate these challenges, Rural Aid is calling on all primary producers to register for support, ensuring assistance – from hay and water for livestock to financial and mental health aid – can be delivered promptly to help farmers protect their livelihoods and recover quickly.

Large parts of North and Northwest Queensland were already experiencing significant flooding before recent heavy rainfall, including rain associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, which has added to flood levels in some areas, extended isolation, and delayed recovery efforts.

From grazing country to fruit-growing regions, producers are facing flooded properties, stock losses, damaged crops, washed-out fencing, impassable roads, and prolonged isolation. While communities are rallying together in the face of another major weather event, Rural Aid warns that the scale of damage and ongoing uncertainty means support is needed now and, in the weeks, ahead.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said North Queensland farmers are once again showing extraordinary resilience, but resilience alone is not enough.

“But even the toughest communities face limits,” Mr Warlters said.

“Farming families are under intense pressure from ongoing flooding and severe weather, managing losses, disrupted operations, and the stress that comes with uncertainty. That’s why it’s so important for producers to register with Rural Aid – so we can provide practical support when it’s needed most.”

Mr Warlters said the flooding is affecting multiple agricultural sectors.

“North Queensland produces so much of Australia’s food and fibre – from prime Angus beef in Winton, to Bowen’s mangoes, and Mackay’s sugarcane – and all of these vital industries are under pressure from flooding and cyclone damage,” he said.

“Many producers are still assessing the full extent of the damage, which is exactly why registering with Rural Aid is so important, it allows us to act quickly and deliver the right support as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

Rural Aid is actively responding on the ground, with hay already on the move and logistics underway to deliver feed and essential supplies to affected producers as soon as access is possible. The charity is also continuing to provide mental health and wellbeing support, recognising the emotional toll that prolonged and repeated disaster events place on farming families.

“Natural disasters don’t just damage land and livestock – they take a heavy toll on mental health,” Mr Warlters said.

“Our counsellors are available, and our team is checking in with farmers to make sure no one is facing this alone.”

Rural Aid provides a comprehensive range of free, confidential services to registered primary producers, including:

Financial assistance for urgent and unexpected expenses
Professional counselling and wellbeing support for farmers and their families
Emergency hay deliveries to support livestock
Water deliveries for drinking and household needs
Volunteer assistance through the Farm Army program for response and recovery

All primary producers affected by flooding across North Queensland are strongly urged to register now at faa.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.

“Even if you’re managing for now, registering puts you on our radar,” Mr Warlters said.
“It means when the water recedes and the real work begins, we can be there to provide practical support and work alongside you for the long haul recovery.”

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

Farmers Urged to Register for Support as Bushfires Devastate Large Areas of Victoria

Posted on 12 January 202612 January 2026

Leading rural charity Rural Aid is issuing an urgent call for all Victorian farmers to register for assistance as bushfires continue to burn across the state, already causing widespread damage to farmland, major stock losses, and destruction of critical agricultural infrastructure.

With fires impacting multiple regions and conditions remaining volatile, producers are facing escalating threats to livestock, crops, fencing, sheds, machinery, water supplies, and their livelihoods. Rural Aid warns the situation remains extremely dangerous and stresses that registration is critical to ensure help can be delivered immediately.

Rural Aid is urging every primary producer – whether already impacted or at risk – to register now, so assistance can be mobilised without delay as the emergency unfolds.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the fires are already inflicting serious damage and the full impact is still emerging.

“We are seeing fires tear through productive farmland, destroy fencing and sheds, and leave farmers facing heartbreaking stock losses,” Mr Warlters said.

“These aren’t isolated incidents – large parts of the state are being impacted, and many producers are under immediate and extreme pressure.”

Mr Warlters said registering with Rural Aid is one of the most important steps farmers can take right now.

“Registering now means that we can respond with financial assistance, hay, water and counselling support.”

Rural Aid provides support to registered farmers at no cost, including:

Financial assistance for urgent and unexpected expenses
Professional counselling and wellbeing support for farmers and their families
Emergency hay deliveries to support livestock
Water deliveries for drinking and household needs
Volunteer assistance through the Farm Army program for response and recovery

Farmers are strongly urged to register immediately at faa.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624. Registering now ensures Rural Aid can act fast and deliver critical support as fires continue to threaten communities across Victoria.

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

Rural Aid Expands Mental Health Support in Western Queensland with New Counsellor Appointment

Posted on 12 January 202612 January 2026

Rural Aid is proud to announce the appointment of Mark Noller as its new counsellor based in Dalby, strengthening mental health and wellbeing support across Western Queensland. Mark will provide on-farm counselling, attend community events, and work closely with local towns as part of Rural Aid’s ongoing commitment to the region following the severe floods that occurred during Match and April last year and will assist with the current flood event impacting Northwest Queensland.

With a strong background in agriculture as both an agronomist and a farmer, Mark brings firsthand experience of rural life and the unique challenges farming families face. As a qualified counsellor, he combines practical agricultural knowledge with professional mental health expertise, supporting communities in managing stress, financial pressures, and the lasting impacts of natural disasters.

Rural Aid’s Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the appointment highlights the organisation’s dedication to long-term support.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the Rural Aid team. His deep understanding of rural life, combined with his counselling expertise, ensures our farming communities have accessible, trusted support long after the immediate disaster response has ended. This appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to the resilience and wellbeing of rural communities.”

The creation of this role was made possible thanks to the generous support of our donors and corporate partners, demonstrating the incredible impact of community and business support. Mr Warlters explained, “this is a perfect example of how public generosity directly strengthens rural communities. It allows us to provide professional, on-the-ground support in areas where it’s needed most.”

Mr Noller shared his enthusiasm for joining the team.

“I’m excited about this opportunity for us to collaborate and tackle the unique challenges faced in our rural communities. These challenges are real, but so are the strengths and resilience that define life in the bush. With the support of Rural Aid, my goal is to serve as a strong link – someone who keeps communication flowing both ways. By sharing ideas, listening to one another, and working together, we can create solutions that make a difference not just today, but in the short, medium, and long term.”

Rural Aid’s focus on long-term support ensures that help is available not just during immediate crises but throughout recovery and rebuilding phases. By providing visible, accessible mental health services, the organisation helps farming families navigate challenges while fostering stronger, more resilient communities.

For more information, or to access Rural Aid’s mental health and wellbeing services, visit www.ruralaid.org.au/mental-health-wellbeing.

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

Rural Aid Urges Victorian Farmers to Register as Bushfires Threaten the State

Posted on 8 January 20268 January 2026

Leading rural charity Rural Aid is encouraging farmers in Victoria to register for support as bushfires threaten parts of the state, with some early property losses already reported. Conditions are being closely monitored, and producers are urged to prepare for potential impacts to crops, livestock, fencing, sheds, and other essential infrastructure.

With the situation evolving and conditions potentially changing quickly, Rural Aid is urging all primary producers to ensure they are registered so assistance can be delivered quickly and efficiently if required.

The charity is also calling on the broader community to support farmers who may be affected. Donations made through the Rural Aid website help ensure producers can access relief as soon as it is needed, protect their livelihoods, and maintain Australia’s food and fibre supply.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the situation is fast-moving and concerning.

“The bushfire risk is severe and is already causing damage in some areas,” Mr Warlters said. “Being registered with Rural Aid ensures we can contact farmers quickly and provide the right support at the right time. Registration only takes a few minutes and gives our team the information needed to respond promptly if a farmer is affected.”

Rural Aid provides a broad range of free services to registered farmers, including:

Financial assistance for immediate or unexpected expenses
Professional counselling and wellbeing support for farmers and their families
Hay deliveries for livestock if feed becomes scarce
Water deliveries for drinking and household needs
Volunteer support through the Farm Army program to assist with on-ground response and recovery

Farmers are encouraged to register with Rural Aid at faa.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624 to ensure support can be delivered if and when it is needed.

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