Rural Aid volunteers lend a hand on the NSW flood front

Posted on 6 May 202131 October 2023

20 Rural Aid volunteers are spending the week helping dairy farmers recover from the recent devastating floods on the Mid North Coast.

The volunteers are working across four farms on Oxley Island, outside Taree.  

Oxley Island was ravaged by last month’s floods.  Farms sustained extensive damage to infrastructure including fences, buildings and herd sustaining pastures.  Valuable livestock were swept away by fast moving flood waters- not to mention the human cost, both emotional and financial.  

Dairy farmers have worked tirelessly through the tragedy, milking their cows morning and night. But they’ve been unable to put their cattle out to pasture because of broken fences and debris.  

The Rural Aid volunteers have been put to work in the soggy paddocks, cleaning up the hazardous debris for the affected farmers and their cattle. They’ve also been performing repair works and lending a hand with fencing efforts to help get properties back to full production.   

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said he couldn’t be prouder of the dedicated volunteers.  

“We know Aussies dig deep in times of natural disaster. We’ve seen this spirit in our wonderful volunteers dropping everything to help out, in tough, muddy conditions. And we’ve seen it in the huge volume of donations made to our flood donation drive,” Mr Warlters said.  

Almost $300,000 has been raised for Rural Aid’s flood appeal.  

“This money has already been distributed to hundreds of affected farmers, by way of a $1000 emergency payment,” Mr Warlters said.  

The volunteers will wrap up their week in the region this Saturday.  

Donations can be made by visiting https://www.ruralaid.org.au/floods  

Farmers can register online at https://www.ruralaid.org.au/flood-recovery-financial-assistance  
 

The flood donation appeal is part of Rural Aid’s Disaster Assistance program. The program provides practical support and resources to farmers and rural communities before, during and after disasters such as drought, flood and fire. Rural Aid is working with stakeholders and agencies to provide relief measures to those affected by the ongoing flood event.  

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

Rural Aid reschedules Our Towns week due to floods

Posted on 8 April 202131 October 2023

Leading rural charity Rural Aid has rescheduled its Our Towns week in Walgett, due to the ongoing flooding event in the New South Wales town.  

Dozens of volunteers were due to arrive in the North West town on the 25^th of April, but recent rain has hampered plans.  

The award-winning Our Towns event will now take place in Walgett between the 23^rd and 29^th of May 2021. 

Made possible by property investment and development company Holdmark, Walgett has been awarded $100,000 to be spent over the next five years, to renew and revitalise the town. 

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the safety of locals, volunteers and staff was the charity’s highest priority at this time. 

“The Rural Aid team is itching to get into Walgett and start community-building works. But we don’t want to be a burden on the region while they manage a rising river,” Mr Warlters said.  

“The weather bureau estimates the Namoi and Barwon Rivers are still at least a week away from peaking, in Walgett. Rural Aid is urging locals to stay safe and prepare their families and property.” 

Rural Aid staff currently in Walgett for the purpose of project planning have also had to put their efforts on hold, as the focus switches to disaster preparation. 

Rural Aid volunteers have been notified of the date change, however some are unable to attend in May; prompting a call for other volunteers to stick their hands up.  

“Volunteering at an Our Towns week is a rewarding and memorable experience,” Mr Warlters said.  

“Helping to transform a town, and make friends along the way, is what keeps our amazing volunteers returning time after time. I’d urge anyone who can lend a hand, to please get in touch with the Rural Aid team.” 

For more information on volunteering with Rural Aid, please contact Julia Hahn at julia.hahn@ruralaid.org.au or call 1300 327 624 during business hours. 
 

The award-winning Our Towns program is part of Rural Aid’s Stonger Futures initiative. Rural Aid is heavily invested in strengthening rural communities through its multi-faceted Stronger Futures program- giving locals the resources and confidence needed to help their region thrive.   

Rural Aid flood fundraiser surpasses $200,000 in one week

Posted on 31 March 202131 October 2023

Please note: Since publication of this release, BPAY has generously increased its donation to Rural Aid’s flood donation appeal. BPAY has now matched donations to Rural Aid up to $25,000, up from the initial commitment of $15,000 as referenced in the below release. Thank you BPAY. This support makes a huge difference to our farmers and rural communities impacted by this tragic event.

Australia’s leading rural charity, Rural Aid, has received more than $200,000 in donations from generous Aussies, eager to help victims of the recent floods.  

A massive clean-up effort is now underway across large parts of New South Wales. Much-loved livestock are still missing, destroyed paddocks are still drying out and damaged homes are being stripped.  

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the generosity of the public has left him humbled.  

“We know Aussies dig deep to help others in a crisis. But the speed and generosity of donations made to Rural Aid’s flood appeal has been inspiring. In just one week, more than $200,000 has been donated to the Rural Aid flood recovery drive,” Mr Warlters said.  

Energy infrastructure business APA Group is the latest corporate partner to commit to helping rural Australia recover, though a $50,000 donation to Rural Aid’s appeal.  

“We are proud to support the efforts of Rural Aid to quickly mobilise relief to communities who need it most, to get them back on their feet,” APA Chief Executive and Managing Director Rob Wheals said. 

“As a proud Australian business, the recent floods have affected so many of the communities and businesses in which we work.  

“Communities that were previously grappling with drought, bushfires and the economic impacts of COVID-19 are now coming to terms with the enormous recovery efforts that will be required from major flooding.” 

BPAY has also pledged to help those on the land by matching all donations made to Rural Aid, up to $15,000. 

“Having generous corporate partners means Rural Aid can go the extra mile to help struggling farmers. We can’t thank all our donors enough. This money will make a difference to farmers’ lives,” Mr Warlters said.  

Rural Aid counsellors have started to move into the flood affected regions, to provide critical mental wellbeing support to farming families. 

In addition to counselling support, Rural Aid is offering eligible farmers a $1000 emergency payment. Farmers are also able to request hay and drinking water from the charity.  

Rural Aid’s flood donation drive was launched last Tuesday and received more than $100,000 of generously donated funds in the first 24 hours.   
 

Donations can be made through the Rural Aid website https://www.ruralaid.org.au/floods   

Farmers can register for assistance here https://www.ruralaid.org.au/flood-recovery-financial-assistance
 

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

 

About APA Group (APA) 

 APA is a leading Australian energy infrastructure business, owning, managing or operating a portfolio of energy assets worth around $22 billion. Its gas transmission pipelines span every state and territory on mainland Australia, delivering approximately half of the nation’s gas usage. APA has direct management and operational control over its assets and the majority of its investments. APA also holds ownership interests in a number of energy infrastructure enterprises including SEA Gas Pipeline, SEA Gas (Mortlake) Partnership, Energy Infrastructure Investments and GDI Allgas Gas Networks. APT Pipelines Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian Pipeline Trust and is the borrowing entity of APA Group. 

Rural Aid wraps up historic Barraba makeover

Posted on 30 March 202131 October 2023

63 Rural Aid volunteers have waved an emotional goodbye to the New England after a huge week of historic works in Barraba. 

Barraba is one of ten regional communities selected in Rural Aid’s Our Towns program.  

In the past week, generous volunteers have worked tirelessly to spruce up Queen Street Mall, makeover the Racecourse and tidy up the Tennis Club and sports fields.  

Battling flooding rains and swollen creeks, the volunteers didn’t let the weather dampen their spirits in the slightest.  

Made possible by property investment and development company Holdmark, Barraba has been awarded $100,000 to be spent over the next five years, to renew and revitalise the town.  

Peter Kenyon from the Bank of IDEAS helped the town’s stakeholders decide on a path for Barraba’s future, now immortalised in the Community Development plan. 

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters thanked those who’ve poured a huge deal of time, effort and money into Barraba’s future.  

“Transforming a town is no small feat. Rural Aid is grateful for Holdmark’s generous partnership, which makes events like this possible. Rural Aid would also be lost without its extraordinary volunteers, who stop at nothing to make a difference,” Mr Warlters said.  

Barraba locals say it was a joy to see their town buzzing.  

“The mall has been brightened up, the street has been brightened up. There are people around!” Andy Wright from Andy’s Guesthouse in Barraba said.  

“It’s been an amazing week, I’d like to thank Rural Aid.” 

Rural Aid’s program co-ordinator Grant Miskimmin agreed it was a fantastic week.  

“Despite the weather, it was a great outcome. We lost a whole day due to the weather, but we managed to get 95% of projects done, thanks to the amazing volunteers pushing through,” Mr Miskimmin said.  

Rural Aid will continue to stay in touch with the Barraba community to help their Community Development Plan come to fruition over the next five years.  

Rural Aid staff and volunteers are already gearing up for their next Our Towns event in Walgett, kicking off on Sunday, the 25^th of April, 2021. 
 

The award-winning Our Towns program is part of Rural Aid’s Stonger Futures initiative. Rural Aid is heavily invested in strengthening rural communities through its multi-faceted Stronger Futures program- giving locals the resources and confidence needed to help their region thrive.   
 

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

Rural Aid flood drive boosted by a generous corporate partner

Posted on 26 March 202131 October 2023

Leading rural charity Rural Aid will be able to assist dozens more flood-affected farmers, thanks to the generous support of Morgans.   

The stockbroking and wealth management company, a dedicated partner of Rural Aid, today extended its generosity even further.   

Proceeds from its recent “little dry Friday” fundraising event in support of farming families impacted by adverse weather are being deployed to assist producers at opposite ends of the climatic spectrum. 

On one hand, proceeds from Morgan’s $360,000 donation are helping families still in the grip of drought or recovering from the big dry, while on the other assisting victims of the devasting floods impacting the NSW North Coast and elsewhere. 

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said Morgans’ decision was a testament to the company’s deep connection to rural and regional Australia.  

“While the drought is still an ongoing issue for many of our farmers, there is a clear and critical need for urgent aid on flood fronts across the country,” Mr Warlters said.   

“These funds will provide a substantial boost to Rural Aid’s flood appeal and will make a real difference in farmers’ lives.”  

Rural Aid’s flood donation drive was launched on Tuesday and received more than $100,000 of generously donated funds in the first 24 hours.   

Currently, Rural Aid staff are working tirelessly to connect with flood-ravaged farmers, to determine and meet their needs. Rural Aid is offering farmers a $1000 emergency payment, mental wellbeing support, hay for livestock and drinking water where supplies have been contaminated.  

Donations can be made through the Rural Aid website https://www.ruralaid.org.au/floods 

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