Category: News

WFI Insurance forges partnership with Rural Aid

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WFI Insurance today announced it has forged a partnership with Rural Aid, one of Australia’s leading independent rural charities committed to safeguarding farming and rural communities before, during and after disasters.

The partnership builds on a relationship formed earlier this year when WFI donated $250,000 to Rural Aid to bolster its critical relief efforts for farmers impacted by catastrophic flooding in Western Queensland. The event decimated farms, homes and rural communities, and caused the loss of more than 150,000 livestock.

WFI Insurance Executive General Manager Damien Gallagher said, “Having seen first-hand the meaningful difference Rural Aid made to communities across Western Queensland, we are delighted to now establish a formal partnership to support their ongoing work. Our organisations share the same values and an aligned purpose – to make your world a safer place.”

WFI’s network of more than 100 authorised representatives and sales representatives, live and work within rural and regional Australia, supporting agricultural communities and helping farmers protect the things that matter most.

Through the impacts of a changing climate, Australia continues to see increases in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events, with new regions anticipated to be impacted by natural disasters in the future.

“On-ground disaster response partners such as Rural Aid play an increasingly important role in helping rural communities recover. It’s essential they remain well supported, with their network of resources and volunteers fundamental in helping farmers get back on their feet,” Mr Gallagher added.

Over the past year, Rural Aid has provided more than $6m in support to Australian farmers, with services spanning financial assistance, counselling, fodder provision, water supplies, and thousands of volunteer hours to rebuild fencing and complete other repairs.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said, “We are grateful for the support from WFI Insurance, which will help advance our mission to provide economic and empathetic assistance to rural communities impacted by natural disasters.

“We know the terrible hardship that rural communities face in the wake of these disasters, the scale and devastation can be overwhelming. It’s only through the generous support of partners and donors such as WFI, that we can make such a positive impact.”

Rural Aid celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025. and during a decade characterised by disasters, has raised and distributed more than $125 million in support of farmers, their families and communities.

To find out more about Rural Aid or for farmers wanting to access support, please see: Home – Rural Aid – Supporting Rural Communities.

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 more information visit www.ruralaid.org.au

About WFI
 
WFI has been insuring Australians since 1919. It is a leading rural and business insurer with more than 150 local area managers situated across Australia. For more than 100 years, WFI has been there for its clients, providing support and assistance when they’ve needed it the most.
 
For more information visit www.wfi.com.au

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

David Park
WFI Insurance
0429 595 788
david.park@iag.com.au

Rural Aid Supports Northwest Queensland Farmers Amid Ongoing Flooding

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Rural Aid is urging primary producers in Northwest Queensland affected by ongoing flooding to register for assistance, as farms, livestock, and rural communities continue to face significant disruption.

“Flooding in the region is creating serious pressures for farmers, with properties and livestock impacted, roads cut, and daily operations disrupted,” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters. “We were there to support farmers during the severe 2019 floods, and we remain committed to standing by our communities now and into the future. We understand how quickly these events can affect both businesses and families, and we’re here to help every step of the way.”
 
Rural Aid is actively mobilising to support farmers affected by the floods. Hay and other essential supplies are on the way and will be delivered to affected farms as soon as it is safe and roads reopen. These efforts form part of Rural Aid’s broader commitment to stand alongside communities, providing practical assistance and reassurance to farming families navigating these challenging conditions.
 
Rural Aid provides a comprehensive range of free services to support primary producers during flood events, including:

  • Hay and water deliveries to support livestock in isolated or flood-affected areas
  • Financial assistance for urgent farm operational needs
  • Counselling and mental health support for farmers and their families
  • Practical farm recovery aid, including fencing, equipment, and infrastructure support
  • Community programs to maintain connections, share resources, and provide peer support

“Registering with Rural Aid is simple, confidential, and free,” Mr Warlters added. “It ensures that farmers can access the right support when they need it, helping protect livestock, livelihoods, and wellbeing during this flood event.”
 
Primary producers affected by the floods in Northwest Queensland are encouraged to register at faa.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.

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.

Media note:
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters will be visiting flood affected communities and farmers on Thursday, 8 January 2025 and will be available for on-site interviews. Content available to share with media will also be produced on this trip

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

Rural Aid Ready to Help Kimberley Farmers Impacted by Cyclone Hayley

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Leading rural charity Rural Aid is encouraging farmers in the Kimberley region of Western Australia to register for support as Cyclone Hayley approaches the region, with damaging winds and heavy rainfall forecast to impact farms and communities. Many producers are now preparing their properties and livestock while bracing for potential impacts to crops, fencing, sheds, and other essential infrastructure.

With volatile conditions expected and the cyclone forecast to make landfall later today, 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 quickly, begin recovery efforts, and maintain Australia’s food and fibre supply.
 
Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said being prepared ahead of the cyclone is critical.
 
“Cyclone Hayley is expected to be fast-moving and potentially destructive,” 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 should a farmer be impacted.”
 
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 during recovery periods
  • Water deliveries for drinking and household needs
  • Volunteer support through the Farm Army program to assist with on-ground recovery tasks

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

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

Rural Aid Ready to Support North West Queensland Farmers as Flooding Worsens

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Leading rural charity Rural Aid is urging farmers across Northern and Western Queensland to register for assistance with flooding impacting large areas and heavy rainfall forecast over the coming days.

With the Bureau of Meteorology warning of continued heavy rainfall and major flood risks across parts of Northern and Western Queensland, producers are already experiencing impacts to crops, livestock and critical farm infrastructure. Further rainfall is expected to exacerbate flooding, increasing the risk to fencing, sheds, access roads and stock feed supplies.
 
Rural Aid is encouraging affected farmers to register as soon as possible so support can be delivered quickly and efficiently as conditions evolve.
 
The charity is also calling on the wider community to support farmers during this unfolding weather event. Donations made through the Rural Aid website help ensure producers can access relief promptly, protect their livelihoods, and safeguard Australia’s food and fibre supply.
 
Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said early engagement is vital as the situation worsens.
 
“Flooding across North West Queensland is already impacting farming communities, and forecasts indicate conditions may deteriorate further,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“By registering with Rural Aid now, farmers enable us to respond faster and more effectively. Even if assistance is not immediately required, having details on hand allows our team to act quickly when support is needed most.”
 
Rural Aid provides a wide 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 access to feed becomes limited
  • Water deliveries for drinking and household needs
  • Volunteer assistance through the Farm Army program to help with recovery efforts when it is safe to do so

Farmers impacted by flooding are encouraged to register with Rural Aid at faa.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624 to ensure support can be accessed during this critical time.

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

This Christmas, Thank the Farmers Who Don’t Get a Holiday

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As Australians prepare for festive feasts filled with fresh seafood, vibrant summer fruit, crisp vegetables, quality meats, artisan dairy, wine, grains and more, Rural Aid is urging the nation to support the producers who keep Christmas on the table. These Christmas staples don’t arrive by magic; they are the result of tireless work by farming families across the country – many of whom won’t be taking a break this holiday season.

While most Australians wind down for Christmas, farmers are ramping up. Horticulture growers are harvesting around the clock; livestock and poultry producers are ensuring animals are well cared for in the summer heat; grain and hay farmers are finishing critical stages of their season; dairy farmers continue daily milking regardless of the date; and aquaculture producers are working to meet strong festive demand. Across all sectors, the goal is the same: to deliver the exceptional produce Australians enjoy at Christmas.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said Australians often take for granted the abundance of fresh, high-quality food available to them at the festive table.

“Christmas lunch is built on the hard work and resilience of Australian farmers,” Mr Warlters said.

“Whether it’s seafood, fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy, poultry, pork, beef or lamb, every product carries the legacy of months – sometimes years – of effort. Our farmers don’t clock off for Christmas, and this is the perfect time to recognise their commitment.”

This year has been challenging for many farming communities, with unpredictable weather and rising costs placing immense pressure on producers. Rural Aid is calling on Australians to acknowledge the people behind their festive food by supporting Rural Aid’s Christmas Appeal.

“A small donation is a powerful way to say thank you,” Mr Warlters said.

“Every contribution helps Rural Aid deliver essential financial, practical and emotional assistance to the farmers who feed the nation.”

Rural Aid encourages all Australians to offer their thanks this Christmas by donating to support farming families doing it tough at www.buyabale.ruralaid.org.au.

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