Generous Aussies dig deep to help Rural Aid flood appeal

Posted on 24 March 202131 October 2023

Selfless donors have quickly heeded the call to help flood-affected farmers, with Rural Aid’s appeal raising more than $100,000, in less than 24 hours. 

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said he was blown away by the instant and generous response from everyday Aussies, after appealing for donations on Tuesday morning. 

“It’s really humbling to see people donating their hard-earned money to help farmers who’ve been battered by yet another natural disaster.  

“We’d like to take this chance to thank our generous supporters for their amazing contributions. Every dollar makes a difference,” Mr Warlters said.  

“I’m always amazed by how quickly and generously Aussies go about helping each other in times of need.” 

Rural Aid acknowledges that the full impact of the floods, and the needs of those affected, are still being realised. As the disaster unfolds, Rural Aid is offering eligible flood-affected farmers a one-off, $1000 payment. Rural Aid’s qualified counsellors are also providing free mental wellbeing support, and the charity’s disaster assistance team is also welcoming requests for hay. 

Mr Warlters said the money will make a huge difference in farmers’ lives. 

“The money raised so far could help at least 100 families get back on their feet after these devastating floods.  

“But we’d love to be able to help even more farmers. If you have a few dollars to spare, please consider donating to Rural Aid’s flood appeal,” Mr Warlters said.  

“And if you’re a farmer now facing a huge cleanup, damaged property or ruined hay supplies, please register with Rural Aid to find out what support you could be eligible for.” 

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  

Our Towns launches in Barraba

Posted on 23 March 202131 October 2023

The first Rural Aid Our Towns week for 2021 has begun in Barraba. 

The leading rural charity has organised 65 volunteers to help makeover the New England town. 

Made possible by Holdmark Property Group, Barraba has been awarded $100,000 to use over the next five years for renewal activities in the town.   

Volunteers are currently working on almost a dozen projects; Barraba’s Queen Street Mall and CBD, the town’s showgrounds and a number of sporting clubs are all undergoing an exciting makeover.  

Peter Kenyon from the Bank of IDEAS helped the Barraba community decide which town assets would be best suited to Rural Aid’s amazing volunteers. Mr Kenyon also helped plan the town’s long-term future, which has been immortalised in the Community Development Plan.  

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the award-winning Our Towns program makes a huge difference to rural communities.  

“We know that sprucing up a rural town is great for the region’s morale as well as their long-term economic viability,” Mr Warlters said.  

“The 65 volunteers who generously give up their week will also inject their own funds into the community, providing another financial boost.” 

“But one of the biggest benefits to the region is the energy and enthusiasm that buzzes around the district during the Our Towns week,” Mr Warlters concluded.  

Holdmark’s CEO Mr Sarkis Nassif said the property investment and development company was proud to be a vital part of Barraba’s transformation.   

“As a person who takes pride in the farming industry, I understand how vital it is to maintain this industry for our survival as a nation. The Our Towns program is important as it helps to build leadership capacity in regional communities and supports agricultural sustainability,” Mr Nassif said.  

“Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone in rural areas whose lives have been impacted by drought conditions.  We know that the top priority right now is ensuring the wellbeing of those affected by the drought and we are proud to support Rural Aid through the Our Towns initiative.” 

Tamworth region Mayor Col Murray said he is pleased that Council have secured funding for the Barraba community. 

“Barraba certainly has plenty of passionate community members who have banded together through bushfires, drought and a pandemic. The priorities in the community development plan have been chosen by the Barraba community, which will go a long way in helping revive the region,” Mr Murray said.  

“The Community Development Plan is a fantastic resource for future projects and funding opportunities.” 

Rural Aid also ran a successful Community Expo on Sunday, 21 March, in response to farmers’ feedback that support agencies are hard to find.  

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

Rural Aid appealing for donations for flood victims

Posted on 22 March 202131 October 2023

Australia’s leading rural charity, Rural Aid, is appealing for donations to help farmers impacted by the flooding emergency across the country.  

Large parts of New South Wales and locations in Southern Queensland and Victoria have been hit hard by heavy rainfall and flooded rivers.  

Some farmers have watched their homes and livelihoods go underwater before their eyes. Livestock has perished, paddocks have been flooded and hay storages ruined.  

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said it’s hard to watch Australian farmers face another setback. 

“Our farmers have had everything thrown at them in recent times; drought, fire, a pandemic, plagues (mice and locusts) and now floods,” Mr Warlters said.  

“It’s certainly been one of the toughest times to be living on the land in recent memory, and our hearts go out to all farming families now facing another crisis. Rural Aid will continue to be there for farmers in their time of need.” 

Rural Aid staff are working hard to determine where emergency assistance will be needed, once communities are safe and are able to start the recovery process. Rural Aid is mindful that the disaster is still unfolding and that the priority is ensuring people are safe and allowing emergency services to carry out their work. 

The well-known rural charity can provide affected farmers with financial assistance and mental wellbeing support, through its qualified counsellors.  

Rural Aid counsellor Gary Bentley said, “Farmers are suffering loss and they’re also suffering pain. We’d like to remind people that Rural Aid is there for the farming community”. 

Mr Warlters said the unfolding flood disaster would prompt an outpouring of support from Australians wanting to help.  

“A donation to Rural Aid will help us to help a farming family recover.  

“Rural Aid couldn’t offer the suite of assistance that it does, without the generous support of everyday Australians. 

“If you can, please give generously to help farmers get back to normal as quickly as possible.” 

To make a donation to Rural Aid, head to https://www.ruralaid.org.au/floods 

Farmers needing assistance are being urged to contact Rural Aid on 1300 327 624, or through the Rural Aid website.

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

Rural Aid’s photography competition is back!

Posted on 15 March 202131 October 2023

The hugely popular Spirit of the Bush photography competition has returned in 2021. 

Rural Aid is today putting the call out to snappers of all ages and abilities to submit their most stunning photographs of life on the land.  

The winning photographs will be turned into a beautiful 2022 calendar, that will be available to purchase. 

In the popular 2020 competition, Rural Aid received more than 700 photographic submissions- making it a very tough job for CEO John Warlters to choose his top snaps.  

“The creative talent in the bush is outstanding and I’m always blown away by the images Rural Aid is sent,” Mr Warlters said.  

“Last time we ran this competition, most photographs poignantly depicted the heartbreaking reality of drought. I hope that this time round, all of our farmers have been given the chance to capture some happier pictures. I’m excited to see green shoots, frolics in the rain and fattened livestock,” Mr Warlters said.  

A panel of judges will determine the best bush snaps, based on twelve categories.  

1. Farming Generations   

2. Drought   

3. Fire   

4. Flood   

5. Life On A Farm   

6. Farm Animals   

7. Rural Women   

8. Rural Men   

9. Outback Kids   

10. Rural Landscapes   

11. Man’s Best Friend   

12. Small Towns  

Winners will be awarded a feature in the 2022 calendar, and a Rural Aid prize pack. 

Photos can be submitted through the https://woobox.com/srqwkg  page up until 5pm (AEST) on Monday, 31st May 2021. 

See https://www.ruralaid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SOTB2021-TCs.pdf for the full list of Terms and Conditions.  
For more information, contact Rural Aid media on 0447 116 757 or media@ruralaid.org.au

Grape growers encouraged to seek help to avoid financial squeeze

Posted on 12 March 202131 October 2023

Australia’s leading rural charity Rural Aid has put a renewed focus on bushfire recovery efforts, through a new campaign to help the winemaking industry, called VineAid.

Aussie grape growers are still incurring significant financial losses in the wake of the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires, with some estimates suggesting $100 million worth of Aussie grapes were ruined in the horrific bushfires through smoke taint alone. 

Rural Aid has also brought major wine industry players together for the relief initiative, with Naked Wines coming on board to provide financial assistance in the form of a $50,000 donation to struggling growers, to help kick start VineAid.

Drew Tuckwell, a winemaker in New South Wales’ Orange region, believes the industry needs vital support,  
“In a nearly 30-year career in winemaking, I have never not made wine during the harvest, but you need to harvest grapes to make wine and unfortunately in 2020, the grapes were completely ruined by bushfire smoke taint.” 

“Not only was I unable to make my wines, but our whole cash flow cycle has been interrupted. This disrupts the funding for the next harvest.”

“Due to the financial backing of Naked Wines, I’ve been one of the lucky ones. But the issues are ongoing and there are more winemakers, growers and rural communities that need support. Programs like this are vital to our survival,” said Mr Tuckwell.

Bushfires haven’t been the only threat to the industry; crippling China trade tariffs, covid-19 tourist restrictions, insect plagues and severe drought have all wreaked havoc on the prosperity and financial success of winemakers and growers.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters has acknowledged the role played by Josh Ingham from The Epicurean Collective, in recognising the need for an initiative like VineAid, and is encouraging grape growers to register with Rural Aid for assistance, “VineAid will provide financial relief and access to mental wellbeing support – two areas the sector has identified as being in high demand”.

Naked Wines Managing Director, Alicia Kennedy strongly feels this type of financial assistance must and should come from industry leaders, alongside more traditional income streams, “Supporting independent winemakers is business as usual for us and it’s important consumers and retailers do that everyday through buying, drinking and enjoying Australian wine. However, it’s just as important to provide real support in times like this where most small winemakers and growers don’t have the resources to get through and the consequences can be dire, long lasting and in some cases, permanent.”

“We’re proud to have been able to provide support for our own community of Naked Winemakers affected by the bushfires, but this donation and partnership represents the boundless passion of our members and employees who also wanted to extend their support to the broader winemaking and grower community.”

“Rural Aid has a track record for doing amazing, practical work in the rural community and we’re very happy for them to put our $50,000 donation to good use, kick start VineAid and continue doing what they do so well,” concluded Ms Kennedy.

The Epicurean Collective’s Wine Rewards is also supporting VineAid by donating 1% of its annual revenue to the cause. 

Founder Josh Ingham is urging vino lovers to do their bit, “Consumers can help the wine industry by getting out and purchasing local wines and supporting the businesses that employ Australians”.

Growers registered with Rural Aid can apply for the full suite of assistance, including $1,000 of financial assistance or bill payments; a $500 pre-paid Visa card; drinking water and fodder. Importantly, they are also able to reach out to a member of Rural Aid’s resilience building wellbeing team for counselling support. Growers also have access Rural Aid’s community development programs, including the Farm Army service, where farmers are matched with capable volunteers and labourers.
To register as a grower, or to donate, visit www.ruralaid.org.au/vineaid

-ENDS-

All media enquiries contact Rural Aid media 0447 116 757 media@ruralaid.org.au

About Naked Wines:
Today, Naked Wines boasts 57 of the best independent winemakers from across Australia and New Zealand, including emerging and award-winning winemakers who have worked for famous labels like Yalumba, Penfolds, Wolf Blass and Vasse Felix, and now work for themselves. Six new local winemakers have joined the Naked Wines stable in the last 12 months, including the talented and acclaimed Phillip Moraghan (ex Curly Flat), Paige McCardle, Josh Pfeiffer from Whistler (ex Henschke), Glenn Barry (ex Knappstein) and Ben Riggs of Mr Riggs Wine Co. (ex Wirra Wirra).
For years, the big supermarkets and their bottle shops have been giving winemakers and wine drinkers a raw deal. Their buying clout forces local winemakers, who want to reach Australian drinkers, to churn out wine which the big players then stick a fancy label on and mark-up significantly, meaning that by the time consumers buy it, the majority of what’s in the bottle is retailer margin and marketing. Winemakers are driven to the wall and consumers are, at best, short changed. In fact, the only winners are the big bottle shops and supermarkets.


About The Epicurean Collective:
Combining decades of industry expertise with a deeply engrained family history in rural Australia of more than 180 years, Founder Josh Ingham is ensuring that Australian food and wine remains at the forefront of connoisseurs for generations to come.
The Epicurean Collective is driven to reconnect consumers with the Australian wine industry by bringing exceptional cellar door experiences into the digital space.  The Epicurean supports the Australian wine and tourism industries with their unique WINE REWARDS loyalty and rewards platform launching in October 2021.