Category: News

RURAL AID ROAD TRAINS TRAVEL TO COOMA NSW TO DELIVER HAY THIS WEEK

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WHERE & TIME WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER:

  • 10am Cooma Saleyards -12 Saleyards Road, Cooma NSW
  • 1pm Willow Glen farm (John Teschke) – 150 Browns Camp Rd, Delegate NSW – 6 farmers
  • 2.30pm Woodborough farm (Ron Reed) – 981 Corrowong Rd Delegate NSW – 6 farmers

WHERE & TIME THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER:

  • 1pm Undowah farm (Andy Murdoch) – 54 Poddy Hut Rd, Bibbenluke NSW trucks arrive, and farmers arrive at 2.30pm to pick up the hay – 8 farmers.

WHO TO:

  • 6 local farmers at each of the Delegate drops on Wednesday
  • 8 local farmers at the Bibbenluke drop on Thursday

CONTACT: Rural Aid Media – 0447 116 757 | media@admin.media.ruralaid.org.au

ON-SITE CONTACT: Rural Aid Counsellor Gary Bentley | 0499 527 327

Rural Aid will make five drops to deliver 425 large bales of hay on the back of 10 trailers to 32 drought affected farming families in the Cooma NSW area, on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September 2020.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said this generous donation of 277 tonnes of hay, made possible thanks to Bushells and our everyday Aussie donors, will go a long way to help make life a little easier for the farmers and their families struggling to feed livestock in this disaster impacted area. 

“Our farmers are going through challenging times,” John said. “They’ve been impacted by one of the longest droughts in recent history, followed by fires and in some areas, floods, that devasted the land, people, livestock and homes. Now they are dealing with the impact of current restrictions. It may not be obvious to all but for many NSW farmers affected by natural disasters, the impact is very real.

“In some areas, rain has been welcomed but will only make a tangible difference short term. For others, a lack of rain has meant that restocking or planting a crop isn’t an option and, that stock feed is in short supply across winter months.

“To further assist our Aussie farmers, Rural Aid Counsellor Gary Bentley will be on hand to catch up with our farmers.”

Located in the Snowy Mountain region, Cooma is about 114 kilometres south of the nation’s capital. It was once the hub of construction for the Snowy Mountains Scheme and is now the gateway to the Snowy Mountains snow fields. The Cooma area is also known for its cattle and sheep farms, that have also been impacted by drought, fires and floods

“Transport continues to be an essential service during these current restrictions, by leveraging Rural Aid’s proven delivery model we are able to continue to support farmers to feed their livestock, thanks to the generosity of our donors,” John Warlters said.

The five drops on Wednesday, 16 September and the Thursday, 17 September include Bombala, Cooma, Bibbenluke and two at Delegate. On Monday, 14 September 2020, Rural Aid delivered 168 bales of hay in Cooma area to 14 farmers in Lochiel, Nimmitabel and Bodalla of NSW.

Assisting farmers and their communities

John Warlters also added that just like any other business through this COVID period, Rural Aid is pivoting and finding ways to navigate restrictions so the charity can deliver on the ground for farmers.  

“Obviously, under slightly reduced capacity but thanks to our drivers and operations team, we’re continuing to deliver for our farmers,” John Warlters said.  

“Week in week out, hay is on the agenda as we help farmers manage through drought and restock after bushfires and floods. 

“We are also recognising a greater need for our services than ever before and as we add international trade repercussions to the mix, we expect that need to grow. 

“We’ve also found unique ways to stay connected with farmers and rural communities through our counsellors – Gary Bentley’s column published fortnightly in regional and rural newspapers. 

“We are also continuing to support our farmers with financial assistance.”

END

About Rural Aid
Rural Aid is one of Australia’s largest rural charities. Well known for the highly successful ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign, the charity also provides financial assistance, water and counselling to farmers in times of drought, flood or fire. Other initiatives support its vision that farming and rural communities are safeguarded to ensure their sustainability both during and after these natural disasters. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.

Spokespeople: Rural Aid CEO John Warlters | 0409 618 641

Follow Rural Aid for updates on:

Rural Aid – FB: @ruralaidaustralia | IG: @ruralaid | IN: Rural Aid Ltd | TW: @ruralaidaust

Buy A Bale – FB: @buyabaleofhay | IG: @buyabale | TW: @buyabale

FARMERS DISCUSS REPAIRING FIGURATIVE FENCES

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Rural Aid webinar series addresses the importance of boundaries

Rural Aid has today announced the September theme for its regular primary producer webinar, where skilled counsellors present on timely topics affecting farmers and rural communities.

‘On The Couch with Rural Aid Counsellors’ is a webinar series tackling key topics and themes related to farmer welfare and life on the land.

This month, Darling Downs based counsellor Jane McCollum will host a session at 6pm AEST on Wednesday 16 September on the importance of having healthy boundaries.

The theme of the session is “Healthy boundaries are like solid fences – how are your fences?”.

This session is held for primary producers, country families and rural counsellors, Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said.

“Most farmers are very invested in the quality of their fencing; and prioritise rebuilding or replacing boundary fences that are in need of attention. We want to discuss the other boundaries farmers need to look after, the ones that relate to responsibility, relationships, communication, work and the people in their lives,” Mr Warlters said.

“Quality fencing and boundaries on the farm are crucial for keeping threats like wild animals out – to an extent – and protecting livestock. We’d suggest that personal boundaries are just as important.”

John Warlters said primary producers, farming families and rural counsellors are encouraged to register for the 60 minute live sessions at https://www.ruralaid.org.au/counselling/

END

Media enquiries: 0447 116 757 | media@admin.media.ruralaid.org.au

Media spokespersons: Rural Aid CEO John Warlters – 0409 618 641

About Rural Aid

Rural Aid is one of Australia’s largest rural charities. Well known for the highly successful ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign, the charity also provides financial assistance, water and counselling to farmers in times of drought, flood or fire. Other initiatives support its vision that farming and rural communities are safeguarded to ensure their sustainability both during and after these natural disasters. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.

Visit www.ruralaid.org.au/snapshots for Rural Aid’s latest assistance statistics.

Follow Rural Aid for updates on:
FB: @ruralaidaustralia | @buyabaleofhay
IN: Rural Aid Ltd
TW: @ruralaidaust | @buyabale

RURAL PHOTOS CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF THE BUSH

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1st prize awarded to Kristen Walsh from the NSW Riverina town of Gerogery

Life on the land or in the bush – photographic competition winners announced

 Rural Aid has today announced the winners of their inaugural “Spirit of the Bush” photo competition, after evaluating over the 400 entries submitted in just one month.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters the organisation put the call out for photographers to send through their best visualisation of the “Spirit of the Bush” and they were inundated with entries.

“We wanted to see images, ground level or aerial, of our Aussie farmers and their families and a depiction of what their life is like on the land or in the bush,” John Warlters said.

“As well as giving the world a snapshot of farming life, the land and the bush in Australia, this competition is also a great way of giving greater exposure to rural photographic talent.”

“First place has now been awarded to Kristin Walsh from the NSW Riverina town of Gerogery. So much of the strength of the bush starts with family and a generational love of the land, and we thought this shot was a striking depiction of the theme. Kristin receives gift cards to the value of $500 for her efforts,” Mr Warlters said.

Kristin Walsh is an amateur photographer who took this photo during the NSW Covid lockdown on a second hand DSLR. In fact, it was the first photo she captured on that camera. 

“It is a photo of my son, Finn, and his dad, Kevin. To me it tells a story of love, caring, teaching and guiding the younger generation. It shows an unbreakable bond between the two. It really pulls at my heart strings to look at and I know if our son is half the man of his father, he will be a great man,” the winner said.

2nd prize awarded to Bunderra Cattle Co – an Australian family owned and operated cattle business located in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

“Second place was awarded to Bunderra Cattle Co with their photograph of the ubiquitous wide, flat land that is seen in so much of the Australian landscape, and a silhouette of a family in front of a spectacular sunset. Their prize is gift cards to the value of $250,” Mr Warlters continued.

3rd prize awarded to Trina Patterson of Rolleston, Queensland.

“Third place was a busy mustering shot taken by Trina Patterson of Rolleston, Queensland. The rich brown tones in this scene are synonymous with much of Australian bush life: cattle, horses, dry grass and dust. Trina wins a Rural Aid prize pack to the value of $100.”

Photographer Trina Patterson said her entry was taken as the drought was “sinking its teeth into Queensland”.

“The Burnes family from Quilpie had already been on the road with their cattle for quite some time when I met them on the stock route near Rolleston in Central Queensland.  I captured this image as young Lacey Burnes was helping push the cattle into the night yard, an electric taped area where the cattle would remain safe until daylight the next day.  Both of the kids were helping their parents with the cattle and there were also two other friends helping them out. The kids knew the routine, they knew what to do and they were so practical and resilient and thoughtful.  True little future bush leaders,” Ms Patterson explained.

In running this competition, Rural Aid was looking to give additional exposure to talented photographers across Australia who are also facing challenging times with events and travel impeded by Covid.

“We thank the 400 photographers who sent us their entries. What a joy it was to see the abundance of talent in our rural creative community,” Mr Warlters said.

END

Media enquiries: 0447 116 757 | media@admin.media.ruralaid.org.au

Media spokespersons: Rural Aid CEO John Warlters – 0409 618 641

About Rural Aid

Rural Aid is one of Australia’s largest rural charities. Well known for the highly successful ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign, the charity also provides financial assistance, water and counselling to farmers in times of drought, flood or fire. Other initiatives support its vision that farming and rural communities are safeguarded to ensure their sustainability both during and after these natural disasters. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.

Visit www.ruralaid.org.au/snapshots for Rural Aid’s latest assistance statistics.

Follow Rural Aid for updates on:
FB: @ruralaidaustralia | @buyabaleofhay
IN: Rural Aid Ltd
TW: @ruralaidaust | @buyabale

RURAL AID AND MR. FOTHERGILL’S PARTNERING TO HELP SUPPORT BEES

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Aussie school children plant seeds to help our honeybees

School children across Australia are being encouraged to “Bee An Angel” with the help of one of Australia’s largest rural charity organisation, Rural Aid, and Mr Fothergill’s.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said he welcomed the partnership with Mr Fothergill’s to donate and distribute seed packets to schools who have fundraised for Rural Aid so that school children can plant native flowers to support our honeybees.

“Recent events including drought and bushfire impacted thousands of beehives across Australia.

Thankfully, our littlest livestock Aussie farmers, yes – you may know them as beekeepers, are doing their best to get back on their feet,” John Warlters said.

“Over 50,000 hives were burnt in the bushfires and beekeepers are struggling to feed their remaining bees with a dramatic reduction in their food source – flowers and plants. We encourage all schools to plant native flowers to encourage a Spring bee revival. If your school, workplace or community group would like to get involved to #SaveAussieBees, sign up for a free beehive fundraising poster at www.ruralaid.org.au. Once the poster is full, you will have raised $1,000 for Aussie beekeepers in need! This amount could feed a hive of hungry honeybees for an entire month.

“Honeybees are the key pollinators for many fruits and vegetables. Over one-third of Australia’s produce relies on these bees for pollination – without bees, many of the shelves at local supermarkets would be empty and the farmers’ market favourites we take for granted would be in short supply.

“This initiative with Mr Fothergill’s is a great opportunity to support our honeybees and their keepers and is sure to have a number of great outcomes.

“The seed project will show children the importance of having flowering plants as a food source for our honeybees and how to grow those flowering plants. Imagine if every school in Australia grew flowering plants. Our honeybees and our food sources that rely on their pollination would flourish.

“However, because of the drought and devastating bushfires, our Aussie beekeepers are struggling to feed their bees and pay their bills.

“Through Rural Aid’s Stronger Futures program, our Hive Aid fundraising initiative is ensuring that this essential industry is safeguarded for generations to come, but we need your help.

“That’s why we are asking everyone to #BeeAnAngel by supporting Australia’s littlest livestock, the honeybee.”

The good news is, there are easy ways to help support our littlest livestock farmers by:

Your support will allow Rural Aid to provide support to keep our hives alive and the industry flourishing.

To support our beekeepers and their bees, please donate at: www.ruralaid.org.au/campaigns/hiveaid/

END

Media enquiries: 0424203935 | media@admin.media.ruralaid.org.au

Media spokespersons: Rural Aid CEO John Warlters – 0409 618 641

About Rural Aid

Rural Aid is one of Australia’s largest rural charities. Well known for the highly successful ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign, the charity also provides financial assistance, water and counselling to farmers in times of drought, flood or fire. Other initiatives support its vision that farming and rural communities are safeguarded to ensure their sustainability both during and after these natural disasters. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.

Visit www.ruralaid.org.au/snapshots for Rural Aid’s latest assistance statistics.

Follow Rural Aid for updates on:
FB: @ruralaidaustralia | @buyabaleofhay
IN: Rural Aid Ltd
TW: @ruralaidaust | @buyabale

MONTO QLD READY FOR RURAL AID’S OUR TOWNS MAKEOVER

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Plans finalised and Rural Aid’s Community and Farm volunteers are on their way to Monto

Monto Queensland community members are ready for an invasion that they are welcoming and have planned for since January this year.

Rural Aid and their army of 47 Community and Farm Volunteers will arrive in town from 30 August to 5 September armed with tools, an enthusiastic willingness to help and smiles ready, bringing Monto’s projects to fruition while also bringing a welcoming financial injection.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said it has been a long road and wait since October last year when Monto was announced as one of the winners of the Our Towns makeovers.

“These long-term renewal projects have been made possible thanks to the generosity of our volunteers in giving their time and expertise for such a great cause; as well as the remarkable Monto community. Monto’s community has worked hard, coming up with ideas and forming those ideas into a plan for their vison of their future.”

Monto’s vision is of a vibrant, family friendly and safe community, embracing traditions and contemporary practices in order to create progressive and community driven action for all generations to live, work, play and age well.

“Our thanks also go out to Evolution Mining for their generous $100,000 donation to support community activities across multiple years,” John Warlters said. “Many of their employees and their families live in rural towns in the area and their community will benefit from the work being done, the financial injection and most importantly, the community coming together for their town’s future.

“I would also like to thank Ergon Energy Network for adding their generous support to the Our Towns initiative, with Monto being the second after their support of Gayndah, last month.

“Rural Aid Community Builders Series webinar sponsors, Bushells is also sponsoring town community meetings, such as Our Towns, and will be providing much needed cuppas in Monto.

“Rural Aid was also in the Monto area on 21 August delivering 60 bales of much needed fodder (hay) to four farmers,” John Warlters said.

The Our Towns Makeover initiative is Rural Aid’s way of supporting small rural communities. 

Further Information: 

Monto Community Projects

The Monto community have identified the projects for the Farm and Community Volunteers to work on over the week to help give the town a much-needed start to their long-term renewal.

  • Planting and staking 30 Mount Ash trees in the recreational area behind the railway precinct
  • Lister Street Art Walk – oil the information hut and bridge and paint the ablution block
  • Laneway Community Garden/Walk –
  • Main Street of Monto – create landscape spaces and planter boxes, and install park benches and herb garden
  • Showgrounds – paint the show ring and ticket booth, refresh the buildings as well as repair and maintenance
  • Sports complex in Thomson Street – repair and paint the cricket oval fence and paint the internal doors of the old hospital.
  • Mungungo Hall – remove and replace old cladding, paint the new cladding, repair front and partial north wall and fixtures, and rear balustrade to ablution block
  • Mulglidie Hall and Fairweather’s Park – tidy and prune gardens and exterior ground as well as repaint Frank Fairweather’s memorial.
  • Three farms in the Monto area will also receive much needed makeovers.

About Monto 

  • The Monto District is situated approximately 200 kilometres west of the coastal cities of Bundaberg and Rockhampton, and 477 km north west from Brisbane.
  • Established in 1924, Monto was the first town in Queensland built utilising a town plan.
  • The District comprises the key agricultural service town of Monto, and a set of five attractive villages: namely Mungungo, Mulgildie, Bancroft, Kalpowar and Moonford.
  • Prior to European settlement, Monto and surrounding area was home to people the Gooreng, Wakka & Willi Aboriginal language groups.
  • The town takes its name from its railway station, which in turn is an Aboriginal word meaning ridgy plain.
  • Much of Monto’s historical buildings were built in Art Deco style, including the town hall.
  • Local attractions include but are not limited to:
    • Cania George National Park (22,000-hectare park) and Cania Dam- strong aboriginal presence dating back 19,000 years
    • Kroombit Tops National Park
    • Three Moon Creek
    • Wuruma Dam; Walking trails & tours, 4WD self-drive tours
    • Coominglah State Forest (lookout); Kalpowar State Forest and much more
    • Legendary Mulgildie Bunyip Hole and Sculpture Monto & district art and mural trail.

About Out Towns initiative

Over the next five years, each of the Our Towns will receive $100,000 in projects and support to renew their town. This includes $10,000 allocated for the community to workshop with community change and renewal experts on their ideas for their town’s long-term future and sustainability. The $90,000 will be spent, over five years, on materials for maintenance projects identified by the community, that fits within Rural Aid’s scope of work. If available, materials and trade expertise will be sourced locally to support local businesses.  

Media enquiries: Raylee Huggett – 0447 116 757 | media@admin.media.ruralaid.org.au

Media spokespersons: Rural Aid CEO John Warlters – 0409 618 641

About Rural Aid

Rural Aid is one of Australia’s largest rural charities. Well known for the highly successful ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign, the charity also provides financial assistance, water and counselling to farmers in times of drought, flood or fire. Other initiatives support its vision that farming and rural communities are safeguarded to ensure their sustainability both during and after these natural disasters. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.

Visit www.ruralaid.org.au/snapshots for Rural Aid’s latest assistance statistics.

Follow Rural Aid for updates on:
FB: @ruralaidaustralia | @buyabaleofhay
IN: Rural Aid Ltd
TW: @ruralaidaust | @buyabale