Category: News

Winning Photos Capture Heart and Soul of the Bush

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Rural Aid is proud to announce the winners of its sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition, a celebration of the resilience, beauty and community spirit that define rural Australia.

This year’s competition saw a record breaking response, with 201 entrants submitting 429 photos – nearly double the number received in 2024. Each image offers a glimpse into life on the land, showcasing everything from quiet moments of reflection to the vastness and harshness of the Australian landscape.

The ten winning images, each awarded a $250 prepaid Visa card, were selected for their ability to tell powerful stories through the lens. The photos reflect the realities of rural life – its challenges, triumphs and the deep connection people have with country and community.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the competition continues to reveal the stories that often go unseen.

“This year’s photos are a moving tribute to life outside the city limits. They tell stories of perseverance, pride and connection,” Mr Warlters said.

“There’s an authenticity to these images that resonates. Whether it’s a family working through drought, or a breathtaking sunrise over a remote property, the spirit of the bush shines through.”

Amy Ahchay from Calliope, Queensland captured the hearts of the judges with a candid image of local countrymen Rob and Gordon sharing a laugh over a cuppa in the paddock. “It’s a moment that sums up life in the bush,” says Amy. “Tough on the outside, but grounded in warmth, humour, and mateship.” A first-time entrant, Amy says being recognised is both humbling and a celebration of the stories that often go untold in rural Australia.

“I spotted Rob and Gordon deep in conversation across the paddock and just had to capture the moment. It was the perfect snapshot of bush life, two country larrikins, their horses, a cuppa, and a good laugh.”

“To me, this is what the spirit of the bush is all about. It’s raw, it’s real, but it’s also full of heart. Mateship, storytelling, and that unshakable sense of connection that ties rural communities together.”

“This was my first time entering, and it’s very exciting to be part of something that celebrates country life.”

The winning images will feature across Rural Aid’s campaigns, publications and social media, helping raise awareness of life in the bush and the people who call it home.

Rural Aid is encouraging photographers to consider becoming volunteer content creators by donating their images. These photos are essential to Rural Aid’s fundraising and awareness work.

Photographers who would like to get involved can message Rural Aid directly on its social media channels.

List of winners
 
Tamara Ward, Two-time winner, Tincurrin, WA
Inge Gajczak, Two-time winner, Pittsworth, QLD
Wendy Tan, Allora, QLD
Erika Smart, Erina, NSW
Amy Ahchay, Calliope, QLD
Jenny Sant, Young, NSW
Tim Bateup, Goondiwindi, QLD
Karen Leibinger, Springsure, QLD

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

Australians Called to Stand with Struggling Farming Families

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When natural disasters strike, they don’t just damage land and livestock, they shake the foundations of farming families across the country.

As Australia continues to experience severe weather events and economic uncertainty, Rural Aid is calling on Australians to donate to help to provide crucial assistance to farming families recovering from natural disasters.
 
Whether it’s years of drought, devastating floods or destructive fires, the stress on the land flows directly into the home. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters says the ripple effect is felt by the whole family.
 
“We often talk about the financial and physical toll of disasters, but the emotional impact on families is just as significant,” Mr Warlters said.
 
Rural Aid provides practical and emotional support to families before, during and after disasters. This includes emergency hay, drinking water, financial assistance and access to mental health support to help farming families recover and rebuild.
 
Rural Aid steps in to ease some of this load, offering tailored assistance that strengthens the family’s capacity to keep going and stay together through challenging times.
 
Mr Warlters said Rural Aid is urging Australians to show solidarity with families on the land.
 
“By donating today, you’re helping farming families feel seen, supported and less alone,” he said.
 
“These are the families who feed the nation. They deserve to be supported with a helping hand to help them get through.”
 
To donate today visit www.countrykids.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

Varroa Mite Hits SA: Rural Aid Offers Support to Affected Producers

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Rural Aid is mobilising vital support for South Australian beekeepers following the detection of the destructive Varroa mite in the Riverland region. The parasitic pest was confirmed for the first time in South Australia on September 4, 2025, in beehives at Pooginook, sending ripples of concern through the state’s agricultural community.

The Varroa mite poses a severe threat to Australia’s honeybee population, with significant implications for crop pollination and food production. Its arrival in South Australia places even greater urgency on the need for robust biosecurity responses and comprehensive support for affected producers.
 
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the charity is standing alongside the state’s beekeepers and broader farming community as they face the unfolding threat.
 
“Bees are our littlest livestock, but they play a massive role in sustaining the health of Australian agriculture,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“The Varroa mite doesn’t just impact honey production – it threatens the entire pollination process that supports fruit, vegetables, nuts and other crops. Supporting beekeepers means protecting a critical part of our national food supply.”
 
Rural Aid is urging South Australian primary producers, including apiarists and those in pollination-dependent industries, to reach out for assistance. The charity offers a wide range of free, confidential and practical support services, including:

  • Financial assistance
  • Counselling and wellbeing check-ins
  • Domestic water and water tank deliveries
  • Hay donations
  • Farm Army job platform
  • Educational resources
  • Community-building initiatives

Rural Aid supports producers across all sectors of agriculture, including those in lesser known but equally vital industries like apiary, horticulture, viticulture, aquaculture, organic farming, and dairying.
 
“This outbreak is a reminder that every corner of our agricultural system is interconnected and vulnerable,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“At Rural Aid, we want all primary producers to know they are not alone. No matter your commodity or farm size, if you’re doing it tough, we’re here to help.”
 
Registering for Assistance:
 
Primary producers impacted by the Varroa mite outbreak, or facing hardship for any reason, are encouraged to register with Rural Aid today via www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/ 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.

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

Rural Aid Launches Major Farm Recovery Effort in Mid North Coast

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Nearly 40 Rural Aid volunteers from across Australia will travel to Wingham, NSW, from 7 to 13 September 2025, to support local farming families recovering from the devastating floods that impacted the Mid North Coast in May this year.

The week-long Farm Recovery Event (FRE) will see volunteers donate their time and skills to assist eight farming families in Wingham, Oxley Island, Pampoolah, Burrell Creek, Taree and Kimbriki. Crews will undertake vital tasks including fencing repairs, property maintenance, vegetation clearing and small-scale construction projects — work that remains out of reach for many farmers still grappling with the ongoing impacts of the disaster.
 
The May floods caused widespread damage across the region, severely affecting homes, farmland and critical infrastructure. This FRE is part of Rural Aid’s commitment to supporting long-term recovery efforts in rural and regional communities.
 
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the event highlights the power of community and practical support in times of crisis.
 
“Natural disasters leave more than just physical damage. They take an emotional toll, and the recovery process can feel isolating and overwhelming for our farmers,” Mr Warlters said.
 
“Our Farm Recovery Events are about more than just rebuilding fences — they’re about restoring hope and connection. We’re proud to stand beside these farming families as they rebuild.
 
“Rural Aid has been on the ground in the Mid North Coast since the floods, delivering hay, financial assistance and mental health support. This event is another important milestone in the region’s journey towards recovery.”
 
The FRE forms part of Rural Aid’s ongoing mission to strengthen the resilience and wellbeing of Australia’s rural communities.
 
Media Note:
 
Rural Aid representatives will be available on the ground in Wingham next week (7 to 13 September) for interviews. Interviews with participating farmers and volunteers can also be arranged upon request.

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. To make a difference, donate at www.ruralaid.org.au/donate or call 1300 327 624.

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

Rural Aid Urges Outback Queensland Farmers to Register Now as Locust Threat Intensifies

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Rural Aid is encouraging farmers across Outback Queensland to register early for assistance, as locust outbreaks continue to damage pasture and raise serious concerns about the potential for a major plague – the first in Queensland in more than two decades.

Millions of locusts have already been reported across parts of western Queensland. With favourable breeding conditions forecast ahead of summer, farmers are bracing for a possible escalation that could put further strain on already hard-hit rural communities.
 
“This is a stressful time for many farmers, particularly those still recovering from this year’s devastating floods,” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters. “The locust threat is very real, and it’s adding to an already heavy mental and emotional load.”
 
Rural Aid is encouraging farmers to register now to access the support services they may need in the weeks and months ahead.
 
“Rural Aid is ready to stand alongside farmers as this situation develops,” Mr Warlters said. “Registering early means we can respond faster and provide meaningful support when it’s needed most.”
 
Rural Aid offers free and confidential counselling services delivered by experienced mental health professionals who understand the pressures of rural life. To ensure continued, localised support, Rural Aid is also recruiting a full-time counsellor to be based permanently in Western Queensland.
 
Alongside mental health support, registered farmers can access a range of services including:

  • Financial assistance to help manage household expenses
  • Emergency hay and drinking water deliveries
  • Help from skilled volunteers through the Farm Army
  • Long-term recovery and community wellbeing programs

“Rural Aid’s services are available now, and we encourage farmers to reach out early,” Mr Warlters said. “You don’t have to wait until things get worse – registering with Rural Aid means you’ll have support behind you, whatever happens next.”
 
Registering for Assistance:
 
Farmers already experiencing locust activity, and those concerned about the evolving threat, are encouraged to register with Rural Aid today via www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/ or by calling 1300 327 624.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, dedicated to providing practical support and vital services to farmers and rural communities. Since its establishment in 2015, the charity has been a lifeline during times of crisis, delivering essential services such as mental health support, hay, domestic water, and community engagement. As the organisation celebrates 10 years of service, it continues to partner with farmers to navigate challenges, recover from hardship, and build stronger, more resilient futures, shaping a brighter future for rural Australia.

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