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Every drop matters: Rural Aid delivers 100 millionth litre of water to farming families

Posted on 27 August 202627 August 2026

Rural Aid has now delivered its 100 millionth litre of domestic water, marking a major milestone in its support for farming families across Australia. The milestone represents more than water deliveries. It represents essential support for thousands of farming families who have relied on Rural Aid for access to a basic necessity during some of the most challenging conditions.

Rural Aid’s domestic water assistance provides water for household use, including drinking, washing, cleaning and other everyday needs. During drought, when water supplies become limited, access to household water can become one of the most urgent challenges facing farming families.

The service began in 2018 after Orange, NSW resident Jane Doherty saw the impact drought was having on farmers in her community. In September that year, Ms Doherty contacted a local water carter and they began personally funding water deliveries to local drought-affected farming families before approaching Rural Aid to help expand the initiative. This local act of support has since grown into a national effort, with Rural Aid delivering domestic water to farming families across Australia

Ms Doherty said she never imagined those first deliveries would grow into a service that has delivered 100 million litres of water to farming families across Australia.

“I remember seeing what farmers were going through and thinking, ‘How can we help?’ Water seemed like such a simple thing, but when you don’t have enough of it, it affects every part of your life. Water is the only thing you can’t live without,” she said.

“It’s not just water in a tank. It’s a shower at the end of a long day, brushing your teeth, being able to wash clothes, having enough water for your family and knowing you can get through another week.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to every person who has made a financial donation, every water carter who has helped deliver the water, and Rural Aid for making it possible to provide this vital support to farming families at no cost when they need it most.”

“Farmers spend their lives looking after this country and feeding our communities. When they’re facing tough times, it’s important they know they’re not forgotten.”

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the 100 million litre milestone demonstrated the generosity of Australians and the importance of providing practical support to farming families during times of disaster.

“One hundred million litres is an extraordinary milestone, but behind that number are thousands of farming families who were previously unable to access something every household needs: reliable water,” Mr Warlters said.

“A water delivery is not just about filling a tank. It means a family can drink, shower, wash clothes and continue living on the land with one less pressure to carry.”

The impact of domestic water support was recently highlighted through a delivery to sheep farmer Peter Rogers at Ashford, NSW. Mr Rogers said the delivery was a reminder that farming families are not facing drought alone.

“It just shows that people care. There are still people out there who care, and when Rural Aid puts in the effort to help farmers, it means a lot. It reminds us that we’re not doing it on our own,” Mr Rogers said.

“There are six people in the house, and the water goes towards all those everyday things: drinking, showers, washing and everything else. It keeps us going a bit longer and takes some pressure off.”

“If Rural Aid hadn’t turned up with the water, we would have had to buy it. That’s another cost you don’t budget for, but it’s something you absolutely need.”

Rural Aid continues to provide vital support to farming families experiencing hardship through domestic water deliveries and other drought assistance services, including financial support, hay and mental health wellbeing. Farmers needing support, or Australians wanting to help, can visit www.ruralaid.org.au or call 1300 327 624.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Rural Aid delivers practical assistance during drought, fire, flood and other disasters, helping farming families stay on the land and protect their livelihoods. Through disaster relief, mental health support and community development programs, Rural Aid works with partners, supporters and volunteers to strengthen rural communities and ensure farmers have the support they need to recover, rebuild and remain connected.

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

Southern Queensland farmers encouraged to seek support as Rural Aid continues assisting drought-affected communities

Posted on 30 July 202630 July 2026

For several months Rural Aid has been assisting farming families across northern New South Wales and southern Queensland as drought conditions have continued to impact communities. Following the Queensland Government’s drought declaration for Balonne, Goondiwindi, Southern Downs and the southern part of Maranoa, Rural Aid is encouraging affected farmers to reach out, with practical assistance available.

For many farming families, drought impacts more than what is happening in the paddock. It can place pressure on livestock, water supplies, finances, decision-making and the wellbeing of entire households.

Eligible farming families can access a range of assistance, including hay deliveries, water assistance, financial assistance and mental health and wellbeing support.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said farmers should know help is available during difficult seasons.

“Farmers across southern Queensland are facing challenging conditions, and we want them to know Rural Aid is here to help,” Mr Warlters said.

“Drought impacts every part of farming life, from what happens in the paddock through to the pressures faced at home, and no farmer should feel they have to face those challenges alone.

“From helping farmers access essential resources like hay and water through to financial assistance and mental health and wellbeing support, our team understands life on the land and is ready to work alongside farming families when they need us most.”

Dalveen farmer Tanya Bertram knows the pressure dry conditions can place on farming families. Tanya and her family run a 250-acre mixed farming property south of Warwick, raising cattle, sheep and miniature goats.

Tanya has seen firsthand how prolonged dry conditions can affect farm operations, from managing livestock through to making difficult decisions about feed and water.

“When we don’t have the water in the creek, we have trouble putting the stock out here because when the dams are empty and the creek’s empty, we’ve got no water for them readily available,” Tanya said.

Through Rural Aid, Tanya received hay assistance and financial help during a period when feed availability and household costs were placing increasing pressure on the family.

“We received four round bales and decided to use them for the cows with calves, which gave us about a month of feed,” Tanya said.

“Without that hay, it probably would have meant more sleepless nights thinking about how I needed to keep working five days a week to continue putting money into feed.”

Tanya said the financial assistance provided valuable breathing space for the household during a difficult period.

“The financial assistance meant I could buy groceries without having to worry about all the extra things. It was an absolute blessing.”

Tanya said accessing assistance through Rural Aid was straightforward and encouraged other farmers who may be hesitant to reach out.

“Rural Aid is there to support you, whether it’s with hay drops, water, financial assistance or mental health and wellbeing support. There is no judgement,” she said.

Rural Aid provides assistance for farmers at no cost, including:

Hay to help meet livestock feed needs during dry conditions
Water and water tank deliveries for households experiencing shortages
Financial assistance to help with essential expenses
Mental health and wellbeing support for farmers and their families
On-ground assistance through the Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs, helping farming families with clean-up, recovery and rebuilding

Mr Warlters said seeking assistance early could help ease pressure for farming families.

“Reaching out for assistance is not a sign of weakness. It is about making sure farmers and their families have the help they need during challenging times,” he said.

“Our team understands life on the land and is here to listen, provide practical support and help farmers access the assistance they need.”

Assistance is available now for farmers. Call 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au. We’re here to help.

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

Morgans Financial deepens commitment to rural Australia as new Rural Aid Patron

Posted on 28 July 202628 July 2026

Rural Aid is pleased to announce Morgans Financial Limited as its newest Patron, strengthening its commitment to supporting farmers and rural communities across Australia.

Morgans Financial patronage will be led by Executive Chairman Brian Sheahan, who brings more than 40 years’ experience across the financial services and resources sectors. Since joining Morgans in 1997 and its Board in 2000, Brian has played a key role in the growth of Morgans Financial Limited and Morgans Holdings (Australia) Limited.

The appointment builds on Morgans Financial long-standing support of Rural Aid and its commitment to rural and regional Australia. Through initiatives including Big Dry Friday, established in 2018, Morgans Financial and the Morgans Foundation has helped raise funds and awareness to support farmers and communities experiencing hardship, with Rural Aid a major beneficiary since 2019.

As a Patron, Morgans Financial will help raise awareness of the challenges facing rural Australia, advocate for farmers and support Rural Aid’s delivery of disaster assistance, mental health and wellbeing services, and community development programs.

Rural Aid Chairman Alex Hutton said Morgans Financial appointment reflected the value of partnerships that help create meaningful outcomes for farming communities.

“We are delighted to welcome Morgans Financial as a Rural Aid Patron. Their genuine commitment to rural Australia and their long-standing support of farmers aligns strongly with our purpose,” Mr Hutton said.

“Together, we can continue providing timely assistance, strengthening connections and ensuring farmers and their families have access to the support they need, when they need it most.”

Morgans Financial Executive Chairman Brian Sheahan said the organisation was proud to deepen its relationship with Rural Aid.

“Morgans has always valued the contribution of Australia’s farmers and the vital role they play in our economy and communities,” Mr Sheahan said.

“Through our support of Rural Aid and initiatives such as Big Dry Friday, we have seen the impact that practical assistance and community connection can have for farmers and their families during challenging times.”

“We are honoured to become a Patron and continue supporting rural Australia. We look forward to working with Rural Aid to help deliver meaningful outcomes for farming communities across the country.”

Rural Aid is proud to work with partners who share its commitment to supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Through this partnership, Morgans Financial will help Rural Aid continue delivering meaningful support where it is needed most.

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

Record number of volunteers lend a hand to Chinchilla farmers

Posted on 20 July 202620 July 2026

A record number of volunteers will lend a hand to Chinchilla farmers next week, as Rural Aid brings together its largest volunteer turnout for a Farm Recovery Event to stand alongside farming families recovering from recent disasters.

From 19 to 25 July, 45 volunteers, including 15 first-time volunteers and 41 corporate volunteers, will roll up their sleeves at nine farms across the Chinchilla region in Queensland, providing practical support to farming families where it is needed most.

The event comes as local farmers continue to recover from the impacts of severe flooding in March this year and bushfires in 2023. Through hands-on assistance, Rural Aid volunteers will help farmers tackle important recovery work, easing some of the pressure faced by farming families during challenging times.

Rural Aid CEO John Walters said Farm Recovery Events provide more than just practical help, creating opportunities for connection, encouragement and community at a time when many farming families are navigating the long road to recovery.

“The jobs we help farmers complete are important, but what we often hear from farmers is that knowing people care and are willing to stand beside them means just as much,” Mr Walters said.

“Recovery after a disaster is about more than rebuilding fences or repairing infrastructure. It is about helping farming families move forward, restoring confidence and reminding them they have a community behind them.”

“Rural communities are built on people helping each other, and Rural Aid’s Farm Recovery Events bring that spirit of mateship to life. They create moments of connection that can make a real difference for farming families.”

“The record number of volunteers joining us in Chinchilla is a clear reflection of Australians from all walks of life wanting to support our farmers. Whether they live in regional communities or our cities, people understand the important role farmers play and are eager to lend a hand when it matters most.”

This Farm Recovery Event also marks the beginning of Rural Aid’s new partnership with Allianz Australia, as part of its Allianz Community Care program. The program brings together Allianz’s partnerships under one shared mission: to strengthen community resilience by building mental wellbeing and social connection while supporting the long-term recovery of communities impacted by natural disasters.

Libby Davidson, Chief General Manager Corporate Affairs and Governance, Allianz Australia, said: “The Chinchilla Farm Recovery Event is a powerful demonstration of what the Allianz Community Care program stands for. With 34 Allianz employees volunteering we’re united in our commitment to helping communities recover, rebuild, and thrive.”

The Chinchilla Farm Recovery Event highlights the power of volunteers, corporate partners and communities coming together to support Australian farmers through challenging times.

Australians wanting to lend a hand at upcoming Rural Aid Farm Recovery Events in Mutchilba/Dimbulah, Queensland (23 to 28 August) or Kempsey, New South Wales (18 to 23 October) can register to volunteer at www.ruralaid.org.au/volunteers.

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

Sam Longmore completes 441km Big Wheel Challenge, raising over $175,000 for rural mental health

Posted on 10 July 202610 July 2026

A herculean 441-kilometre wheelchair journey raising much-needed funds for rural mental health has come to a powerful and emotional finish in Yass, with local disability advocate and adaptive athlete Sam Longmore rolling into town on Saturday, 4 July after eight days of determination, endurance and community spirit across regional New South Wales as part of The Big Wheel: Push for a Purpose.

Beginning in Corowa on 27 June and travelling through more than 20 communities including Albury, Wagga Wagga, Junee, Cootamundra, Harden and Binalong, Ms Longmore pushed through challenging weather, long road stretches and physical fatigue, supported by strong community engagement along the route.

The challenge and accompanying charity auction have raised more than $175,000 and counting for rural mental health initiatives supporting the work of Rural Aid and Riverina Bluebell. While the fundraising total is significant, the key focus has been raising awareness of mental health in rural communities, reinforcing the message that one conversation at the right time can change everything. The funds raised will support mental health outreach, counselling for farming families, emergency relief during drought, fire and flood events, and community wellbeing programs across rural and remote Australia.

Ms Longmore said the challenge was driven by a desire to encourage conversation and connection across rural communities.

“I just wanted to help. I had the ability to help. We all have the ability to help,” she said. “I took on this challenge to raise awareness of rural mental health and to support the work being done by Rural Aid in rural communities. One small thing each day can make a real difference to everyday Australians.”

Ms Longmore continued, “although I spent the majority of the time on the road on my own, this didn’t happen just because of me. There was a team, there was a community behind me getting here today.”

CEO of Rural Aid John Warlters said the effort reflected both endurance and a strong commitment to rural Australia.

“What Sam has achieved is an outstanding effort. Covering 441 kilometres over eight days in support of rural mental health is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about her dedication to rural communities.”

“Just as significant as the physical achievement were the connections made along the way. Every conversation, every wave from the roadside, and every shared story helped shine a light on the realities faced in many rural and remote communities.”

“The funds raised will go toward delivering practical mental health support, emergency assistance and wellbeing programs that help farming families and regional communities not only through difficult times, but in building long-term resilience.”

Throughout the journey, communities across regional NSW turned out in strong support of Ms Longmore, with locals joining for sections of the route and gathering in towns to show encouragement and solidarity. The challenge became a shared expression of connection across rural Australia. The final arrival in Yass marked the completion of the physical journey and a celebration of community support and fundraising success.

The impact of The Big Wheel will continue beyond the kilometres travelled, with funds raised helping to strengthen mental health support, resilience and connection in rural communities across Australia. Donations can still be made at www.mycause.com.au/page/393886/the-big-wheel.

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