Rural Aid flood drive boosted by a generous corporate partner

Posted on 26 March 202131 October 2023

Leading rural charity Rural Aid will be able to assist dozens more flood-affected farmers, thanks to the generous support of Morgans.   

The stockbroking and wealth management company, a dedicated partner of Rural Aid, today extended its generosity even further.   

Proceeds from its recent “little dry Friday” fundraising event in support of farming families impacted by adverse weather are being deployed to assist producers at opposite ends of the climatic spectrum. 

On one hand, proceeds from Morgan’s $360,000 donation are helping families still in the grip of drought or recovering from the big dry, while on the other assisting victims of the devasting floods impacting the NSW North Coast and elsewhere. 

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said Morgans’ decision was a testament to the company’s deep connection to rural and regional Australia.  

“While the drought is still an ongoing issue for many of our farmers, there is a clear and critical need for urgent aid on flood fronts across the country,” Mr Warlters said.   

“These funds will provide a substantial boost to Rural Aid’s flood appeal and will make a real difference in farmers’ lives.”  

Rural Aid’s flood donation drive was launched on Tuesday and received more than $100,000 of generously donated funds in the first 24 hours.   

Currently, Rural Aid staff are working tirelessly to connect with flood-ravaged farmers, to determine and meet their needs. Rural Aid is offering farmers a $1000 emergency payment, mental wellbeing support, hay for livestock and drinking water where supplies have been contaminated.  

Donations can be made through the Rural Aid website https://www.ruralaid.org.au/floods 

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

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