Top ten rules for dressing like a farmer

Posted on 21 November 202031 October 2023

Good Onya Mate concert 1 week away.

With the Good Onya Mate concert a week away, Rural Aid’s unofficial spokesperson, The Ringer, has issued his top 10 rules for dressing like a farmer. 

“We want all Australians to dress like a farmer and really get in the spirit for Rural Aid’s annual fundraising concert. This year, the concert is called Good Onya Mate and features the likes of Jimmy Barnes. You can all tune in from 7.30pm on Saturday 28 November on Channel 9,” The Ringer said from his paddock in central Queensland.

His advice for all Australians wanting to get involved with farmer fancy dress on the night is as follows. 

1. A big, big hat: Aussie agriculture is one of the most sun-smart industries in the country. Wear the biggest broad-brimmed hat you can find, even if it says “Bunnings” on the band. 
2. No ironing needed: That’s not to say farmers don’t care for their appearance, but when you’re heading out to a paddock, you generally don’t have time to “press and starch” the work wear. 
3. Footwear to boot: A sturdy pair of leather boots will make you look the part. No need to polish them up. In fact, if they are a bit too shiny, maybe slip them on and go for a walk in the dirt. 
4. Goodbye tie: Farmers don’t often wear ties, except maybe to a campdraft, wedding, awards ceremony or a Young Nationals Convention. They just aren’t practical and have a tendency to get caught in bench grinders. 
5. Buckle up… within reason: When it comes to belt buckles, keep them reasonable, unless you’ve won a national rodeo championship. Some folk are basically walking around with a car bonnet below their stomachs and it’s a bit much.
6. Watch the time: A watch can be handy in the bush to know when it’s time for smoko, arvo tea, supper and all the other meals in between. Feel free to wear one of those fitness trackers but bear in mind you’ll need to do about nine million steps to achieve your Farmer Badge. 
7. Check the shirt: Sure, a lot of graziers choose plaid or checkered long-sleeve shirts (again, providing good sun protection) but that’s not a hard and fast rule. Neutral, earthy colours go well. Feel free to roll the sleeves up to the elbows.
8. Slacks and dacks: Generally jeans or moleskins are the go-to attire for farmers when it comes to pants, maybe footy shirts if they’re in holiday mode. Jeggings, tracksuit pants, lycra and metallic fabric short shorts should be avoided. Stubbies or Ruggers are acceptable.
9. Wear the style: It’s one thing to pull on some clothes; it’s another to embody a farmer. Visualise yourself as the owner of a 30,000 tree-orchard or a million acre cattle property, and embrace the look. It may help to lean on something while you’re having a yarn, or hook your thumbs into your jean pockets, and slouch.
10. Work with what you’ve got: Don’t have a pair of RMs? Pull on some gumboots and you’re a dairy farmer. Or forego the footwear entirely and say you’re a sugar cane grower from Queensland. Being a farmer is about adapting to the conditions – go with what’s on hand.

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Official spokesperson, CEO John Warlters 0409618641
Unofficial spokesperson, The Ringer 0407652149
Media contact, Lyndsey Douglas 0424203935 media@admin.media.ruralaid.org.au

Boots, belt-buckles and big hats

Posted on 19 November 202031 October 2023

How to host a Good Onya Mate party at home next Saturday

Rural Aid’s annual fundraising concert is a week away, so Australians are being encouraged to host a Good Onya Mate gathering complete with farm inspired games, food, and fancy dress. 

CEO of Rural Aid, John Warlters said no matter where they live, Australians can help Rural Aid raise much-needed funds for Aussie farming families coping with the effects of Australia’s record-breaking drought and recent bushfires by hosting a Celebrate Good Onya Mate party. 

“It’s easy to get started – just borrow some of our ideas, gather your friends, family, and neighbours together, and tune into Channel 9 from 7.30pm on 28 November,” Mr Warlters said.

The organisation invites everyone to don a big hat, boots and a belt buckle on the night, using the hashtag #CelebrateGoodOnyaMate to have posts featured on Rural Aid’s live social media gallery. 

Farm-themed snacks including cow pat brownies and piggies in a blanket are ideal menu items. Recipes can be found at goodonyamate.org.au/celebrate/

The spotify playlist helps prepare for the concert line-up. 

“We encourage all party hosts to do an ‘Akubra pass-around’ for donations. Just $20 is enough to buy a bale of hay for a farmer’s livestock that are struggling to survive the drought.”

 The website goodonyamate.org.au/celebrate/ includes games such as concert bingo and a Jimmy Barnes quiz, decorations and donation links.

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QUEENSLANDERS INVIDE TO EPIC NATIONAL AGRICULTURE AND RELATED INDUSTRIES DAY EVENT

Posted on 13 November 202031 October 2023

Rural Aid says this is one of the most important days on the calendar. 

With National Agriculture and Related industries Day less than a week away, Rural Aid is inviting residents  of the South Burnett region in Queensland to don their Akubras, pop on some boots, bring their umbrellas,  some dinner and covid masks and head to Kingaroy on Saturday, November 21 to celebrate our farmers  and their importance. 

Made possible by Hancock Agriculture and S. Kidman & Co, the event at the famous Bethany Farm, 218  Peterson’s Drive, Coolabunia – near Kingaroy – features great musical acts and has no entrance fee. 

National Agriculture & Related Industries Day founder and patron Gina Rinehart said: “Where would our  country be without our farmers, pastoralists, fishermen, market gardeners, fruit, flowers and timber  providers, viticulturalists, pearlers, poultry and beekeepers, in short, without our agriculture?” 

The event starts at 6.15pm and is a celebration of the importance of agriculture in Australia. 

“Agriculture is Australia’s second largest export earner with $1 out of every $7 export dollars coming from farm produce…” Mrs Rinehart said. 

A bar will be available with part proceeds going to Rural Aid initiatives including its disaster assistance and  Stronger Futures programs. There is a limit of 500 people, so registrations are essential via www.nationalagricultureandrelatedindustriesday.com.au/kingaroy-registration 

Queensland country music star Mick Lindsay and bush ballad singer-songwriter Dean Perrett will have attendees dancing and toe-tapping throughout the night. A video recording dedicated to the event from  Queensland Ballet will also be shown. 

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said National Agriculture & Related Industries Day was one of the most important events on the national calendar. 

“We’ll be paying tribute to the men and women who produce our food and fibre, especially given the unprecedented circumstances that have prevailed this year,” Mr Warlters said. 

“We are indeed the lucky country, when despite everything that has been thrown at farming families – drought, bushfires, floods and COVID-19, we continue to have access to world class produce – fruit,  vegetables and protein.”. 

Mr Warlters recognised the Kingaroy area was an epicentre for quality produce and a fitting location in which to celebrate all the good things about agriculture. 

“Rural Aid has been active in supporting producers throughout the South and North Burnett. It is fantastic  to see the region at the heart of National Agriculture & Related Industries Day celebrations.”

NOTE: This is a covid safe event. If you are experiencing symptoms please do  not attend. “We are all in this together”. 
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Media enquiries: Lyndsey Douglas 0424203935 media@admin.media.ruralaid.org.au  Media spokespersons: Rural Aid CEO John Warlters – 0409 618 641