Rural Aid Calls for Donations to Support Farmers Affected by Natural Disasters

Posted on 18 March 202518 March 2025

Rural Aid is calling on Australians to open their hearts and support farmers impacted by natural disasters like ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which has caused widespread destruction across South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

The cyclone has left farmers facing significant damage to crops, homes, and infrastructure, compounding the ongoing struggles in many rural communities. Also needing assistance are regions facing other disasters, including severe flooding in North Queensland and the ongoing drought continues affecting farmers in South Australia. These serious challenges make it critical for all Australians to step forward and assist our farmers in need.
 
Rural Aid on the Ground: Assessing Damages and Delivering Support
 
Rural Aid is already on the ground assessing the damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and working closely with local communities to determine where help is needed most. As a Australia’s leading rural charity, the organisation is committed to providing tailored and immediate relief and long-term support to farmers and rural communities affected.
 
How Donations Help Farmers and Rural Communities
 
Rural Aid has a long history of providing critical services to rural communities, including financial assistance for recovery, the provision of hay and water for livestock, and emotional support through its mental health services. Through public donations, Rural Aid is able to deliver practical help to those in need.
 
“We are extremely grateful for the ongoing generosity of Australians who continue to support farmers in their time of crisis,” said John Warlters, CEO of Rural Aid. “Your donations can make a real difference – providing immediate and long-term relief, helping to rebuild, and offering a lifeline to those going through some of their darkest times. The impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has been severe, and we will continue to be there for those who need us.”
 
Mental Health Support for Farmers
 
Rural Aid understands the significant emotional toll that these disasters take on farmers and their families. As part of its commitment to mental health, Rural Aid offers free and confidential counselling through its support services. These services are crucial for helping farmers cope with the stress, anxiety, and grief that often follow such traumatic events.
 
Farmers and their families are not just dealing with physical damage to their homes and livelihoods – they are also facing mental health challenges. Our mental health services are a critical part of our support, ensuring they are not left to navigate this crisis alone,” said Mr Warlters.
 
Farmers Impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred Encouraged to Register for Assistance
 
Rural Aid urges all farmers affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred to register for assistance as soon as possible. By registering, farmers will receive the support they need, whether it be financial aid, water, hay, or mental health services.
 
For more information or to register, visit www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/ or call 1300 327 624.
 
“We are here to help, and the first step is for farmers to reach out and let us know what they need,” said John Warlters. “We want to ensure that no one is left behind, and that we can direct the right support to the people who need it most.”
 
How You Can Help
 
Australians can make a difference by donating to Rural Aid, with funds going to where it’s needed most. Right now we are supporting farmers affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the aftermath of flooding in North Queensland, and the ongoing drought in South Australia. Every donation, large or small, helps provide vital relief and long-term recovery assistance to farming families in need.

To donate today, please visit: https://matesday.ruralaid.org.au/

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

Rural Aid Receives Over $145,000 from ALH Hotel’s Parma for a Farmer Campaign

Posted on 17 March 202517 March 2025

Rural Aid is thrilled to announce that over $145,000 has been raised in ALH Hotel’s February fundraising campaign, Parma for a Farmer. The campaign saw a $1 donation for every Parma sold across ALH’s network of over 350 pubs across Australia.

On Monday, 17 March 2025, a cheque for the raised amount was presented by ALH to Rural Aid, marking the successful completion of the month-long campaign. This generous donation will provide vital support to Australian farmers, particularly those affected by drought, floods, and other natural disasters.
 
The funds raised will go towards assisting Australian farming families by supporting their mental health, financial stability, and overall wellbeing during tough times.
 
“We are deeply grateful for the support from ALH and their guests. This incredible donation will make a significant difference in the lives of farmers and their families, especially those doing it tough. We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who enjoyed a delicious Parma, knowing they were helping to raise much-needed funds for Rural Aid,” said Mr John Warlters, CEO of Rural Aid.
 
“We are delighted to have contributed to Rural Aid for another year, supporting their efforts in raising vital funds to farmers in need,” said ALH National Group Executive Chef, Mr David Finlayson.
 
“A huge thanks to our partners B&E Foods, McCain, Primo Foods, Fonterra, and FTA for their generous contributions too. By providing essential products like schnitzel, chips, ham, cheese, and parmi sauce, they’re a huge part of this campaign and their support is greatly appreciated,” Mr Finlayson added.
 
Rural Aid relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and businesses to provide vital support for our farmers. Please donate today at www.ruralaid.org.au/donate.

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.

About ALH Hotels:
ALH offers a diverse hospitality experience including sports bars, bistros, restaurants, cafes, accommodation, nightclubs, live sports, racing and electronic gaming. Our hotels are located in capital cities and urban and regional centres across Australia.

ALH employs over 15,000 people across Australia at more than 350 licensed venues. Our main business activities are pub operations such as bar, foods, accommodation, functions and entertainment. ALH is committed to supporting local communities and improving the lives of Australians through initiatives like this partnership with Rural Aid.

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

Rural Aid Supporting Farmers Affected by Cyclone Alfred

Posted on 6 March 20256 March 2025

With Tropical Cyclone Alfred now expected to make landfall late on Friday, impacting Southeast Queensland and the North Coast of New South Wales, Rural Aid is prepared to provide support for farmers in the affected regions.

As the cyclone approaches, Rural Aid urges farmers to stay informed by regularly checking local council disaster dashboards, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Windy.com, and other emergency service updates. These resources provide essential weather forecasts, safety advice, and evacuation procedures.
 
Farmers in impacted areas are encouraged to take immediate action to ensure they are prepared for the storm.
 
Mental Health Support During Disasters
 
The impact of disasters extends beyond physical damage, affecting mental wellbeing. Rural Aid reminds farmers and primary producers to prioritise their mental health during this time. Stress can build before, during, and after such events, and seeking support early is crucial. Rural Aid offers free, confidential counselling services to assist primary producers during this challenging period.
 
Rural Aid’s dedicated counselling support line is staffed by trained professionals from Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm AEDT.
 
Disaster Assistance from Rural Aid
 
Rural Aid offers comprehensive support to assist farmers in navigating this challenging time.
 
Rural Aid provides practical advice and resources to help farmers prepare for the approaching storm.
Following the storm’s passage, Rural Aid will offer long-term recovery assistance, including hay and domestic water deliveries, financial support, and help with rebuilding efforts.

Fodder

In the aftermath of the cyclone, many farmers may face challenges in accessing feed for their livestock. While Rural Aid will coordinate fodder deliveries to support farmers in need as soon as possible, it is important that farmers take immediate action to ensure they receive the help they require.
 
In addition to registering with Rural Aid, we encourage all affected farmers to reach out to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) as soon as possible for immediate support. These agencies are key points of contact during this initial phase and can assist with immediate needs.
 
Additionally, it’s crucial for farmers to complete the relevant disaster surveys. This will help identify the most affected areas and support the process for declaring disaster zones in the states.
 
Here are the links to the necessary surveys:
 
Queensland DPI Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/a65512900348401a812e57d743e4c104
 
NSW Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA)
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/emergency/community/primary-industries-natural-disaster-damage-survey
 
By registering and completing these surveys, you will help ensure the necessary support is directed to the areas that need it most. Rural Aid is here to assist, but your early action is vital to accessing all available resources.
 
Registration and Support
 
Farmers in affected areas are encouraged to register with Rural Aid to access a wide range of support services, including financial assistance, water deliveries, and mental health support. By registering, farmers gain immediate access to critical aid that can make a significant difference during tough times.
 
For more information or to register, visit www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/ or call 1300 327 624.
 
Statement from Mr. John Warlters, CEO of Rural Aid:
 
“Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to bring challenging conditions to farmers across Southeast Queensland and the North Coast of New South Wales. Rural Aid is committed to supporting these farmers with fodder, financial assistance, and mental health resources. Farmers in the affected areas are urged to register with us as part of their readiness plan to ensure they receive the help they need during this time.”

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

Rural Aid Celebrates 10 Years of Supporting Farmers and Rural Communities

Posted on 4 March 20256 March 2025

Rural Aid, a leading charity dedicated to supporting farmers and rural communities across Australia, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. The significant milestone began on Friday 28th February with a live broadcast from Suncorp Stadium as part of Channel Nine’s Today Show, alongside a special breakfast event attended by dignitaries, launching a year-long celebration of a decade of service to rural Australia.

Since its establishment in 2015, Rural Aid has played a crucial role in providing relief and support during some of the most challenging times for farmers and rural communities. Over the past decade, the organisation has worked diligently to assist farmers through natural disasters, financial strain, and mental health challenges, contributing to the strength and resilience of rural Australia.
 
Rural Aid CEO, Mr John Warlters, stated, “Reaching the 10-year mark is a significant achievement for Rural Aid and reflects the commitment of our team, donors, and partners. Our work over the past decade has made a meaningful difference to many, but our mission continues. We remain dedicated to providing the practical solutions and long-term support that farmers need to thrive and sustain rural Australia’s agricultural and economic strength.”
 
10-Year Impact Report Highlights
 
In recognition of this important anniversary, Rural Aid has released a comprehensive 10 Year Impact Report, which details the significant milestones and outcomes achieved over the past decade. The report provides an overview of the many ways in which Rural Aid has supported farmers and rural communities across Australia, including:

• Over $125 million in donations to allow Rural Aid to provide vital assistance
• More than 160,000 bales of hay delivered to farms bringing vital sustenance to livestock in need.
• 90+ million litres of clean water provided to farmers and their families, ensuring they have clean water for washing, bathing and drinking.
• Over $25 million in financial assistance, giving disaster-impacted farmers the support they need to stand strong and recover.
• 13,000+ free counselling sessions offering a critical lifeline of mental support for farmers and their families.
• 1,000+ community events attended.

These accomplishments represent the collective effort of Rural Aid’s supporters, volunteers, and staff, and demonstrate the significant impact of the organisation’s work in strengthening rural Australia. The full 10 Year Impact Report is available here.
 
Pulse of the Paddock: 2nd Edition
 
Alongside its 10th anniversary celebrations, Rural Aid has released the Pulse of the Paddock 2nd Edition, a report that highlights the voices of nearly 700 farmers from across Australia. This edition provides an in-depth look at the ongoing challenges faced by farmers, with a particular focus on mental health and financial pressures.
 
The report reveals concerning statistics, with one in five farmers (21%) reporting a decline in their mental health over the past year. Additionally, 58% of farmers indicated that their mental health was below average. These figures reflect the deepening mental health crisis in the farming community, driven by the compounding effects of financial strain and environmental challenges.
 
Despite these ongoing difficulties, the report also underscores the positive impact of Rural Aid’s support. 93% of farmers reported that the assistance provided by Rural Aid had a positive effect, while 99% found the support directly relevant to their needs. Moreover, 61% of farmers indicated they would seek counselling for personal support. These findings highlight the significant role Rural Aid plays in helping farmers navigate these tough times, offering both practical solutions and emotional support.
 
Mr Warlters emphasised, “The findings from the Pulse of the Paddock are a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by farmers. Mental health remains a critical issue, and the need for continued support is more pressing than ever. Rural Aid is committed to helping farmers navigate these difficulties, providing them with the resources and assistance they need to recover and thrive.”
 
The Pulse of the Paddock 2nd Edition is available here.
 
Looking Ahead: Continued Support for Rural Australia
 
As Rural Aid celebrates its 10th anniversary, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting farmers and rural communities. The work of Rural Aid continues to evolve in response to the challenges farmers face, with a particular focus on long-term recovery, financial stability, and mental health support.
 
Mr Warlters concluded, “The past decade has been a testament to the resilience of rural Australia and the effectiveness of our collective efforts. While significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Rural Aid will continue to be there for farmers, providing essential relief and support as they work to overcome the challenges ahead. Our mission is to ensure that rural Australia remains strong and resilient for the generations to come.”
 
Rural Aid relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and businesses to provide vital support for our farmers. Please donate today www.ruralaid.org.au/donate.

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

Source: The Land

Rural Aid: Supporting South Australian Farmers through Drought and Beyond

Posted on 20 February 20256 March 2025

Rural Aid, Australia’s leading rural charity, is dedicated to providing essential support to South Australian farmers impacted by drought. Farmers are encouraged to register for assistance as the charity continues to offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help during these challenging times. These services go beyond hay deliveries, encompassing domestic water, mental health support, financial aid, and more.

Supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), Rural Aid is ensuring that hay reaches those who need it as efficiently as possible. PIRSA is subsidising transport costs for charitable organisations delivering hay right now as part of the $18million new drought support package announced on 26 November 2024, helping us to deliver essential hay to farmers, with resources sourced locally to strengthen the farming community.
 
The Hon. Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and Minister for Forest Industries, said, “The State Government is proud to support charities such as Rural Aid to help deliver much needed fodder to South Australian farmers across the state who are dealing with some of the driest conditions on record.
 
As part of our $18 million drought support package, the State Government allocated $2 million to assist charities with the freight costs of transporting fodder to assist farmers with feeding livestock.
 
This has seen hundreds of truckloads of hay reach primary producers across the state, providing some immediate relief as we navigate these challenging times.
 
I thank Rural Aid and their volunteers for their hard work and dedication.”
 
As part of the State Government’s drought support package, Rural Aid will receive $125,000 to assist with transporting hay to drought affected South Australian farmers.
 
Rural Aid CEO, Mr John Warlters, said, “We are committed to providing the support farmers need across South Australia. Through our collaboration with PIRSA, we can continue to deliver crucial support efficiently, ensuring that those facing the impacts of drought have the assistance required to cope with these tough times.”
 
Since July 2024, Rural Aid has delivered over 1,600 bales of hay—approximately 1,000+ tonnes—to more than 100 farmers in drought-affected regions including Worlds End, Carrieton, Peterborough, Quorn, and beyond. This ongoing effort is part of a broader commitment to provide meaningful relief and assistance to those facing the harsh realities of drought.
 
Rural Aid offers a variety of services to assist farmers:

• Hay Deliveries: Our hay deliveries are more than just a service—they’re a chance to connect. We share cuppas, catch-ups, and offer support, always ready to listen and help.
• Water Deliveries: Access to water is crucial, and we’re here to provide long-term solutions. Our deliveries ensure farmers have what they need to keep going, offering a sense of security during tough times.
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Support: Farmers carry a heavy load, and sometimes, a conversation is all it takes to make a difference. Our counsellors provide a safe space for farmers to talk, share their struggles, and find support when it’s needed most.
• Financial Assistance: Our prepaid Visa cards help ease immediate pressures, giving farmers access to hay, supplies, and essentials so they can focus on the future.

Through its Community Development Programs, Rural Aid is also working alongside South Australian communities to build resilience, with community development activities underway in William Creek, Crystal Brook, Gladstone, Eudunda, and Orroroo – because strong farms and strong communities go hand in hand.

Mr Warlters added, “Our services are designed to provide holistic support to farmers, from immediate practical needs like water and hay to mental health assistance that helps farmers cope with the emotional challenges of drought. We’re proud to be working alongside PIRSA and other partners to ensure vital assistance reaches the communities that need it most.”

The collaboration with PIRSA ensures that these critical services continue to reach those in need. Farmers are encouraged to register for assistance today to access these valuable resources. Together, the goal is to ensure that no farmer has to face the challenges of drought alone.
 
If you’re a farmer register with Rural Aid to access support, visit https://faa.ruralaid.org.au/.
 
Rural Aid relies on the generosity of the public to continue to provide vital support for farmers and their families. You can help make a difference, please donate today at https://matesday.ruralaid.org.au/. 

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

Source: EP Advocate