HAY MATE APPEAL RAISES $4.6 MILLION FOR FARMERS

Posted on 17 December 201931 October 2023

Nine’s Hay Mate: A Bush Christmas Appeal concert has raised an astonishing total of $4.6 million for farmers suffering through the devastating drought and bushfires.

All proceeds are going to Rural Aid, one of Australia’s leading rural charities.

With the funds raised, Rural Aid is organising an immediate hay drop to drought and bushfire-affected farmers in the Taree area on the mid-north coast of New South Wales.

Half a million dollars will also be spent immediately on $500 gift cards for 1,000 farmers to help with the purchase of groceries in time for Christmas.

Aussie rock legends lent their support to our farmers, headlining the Hay Mate: A Bush Christmas Appealconcert at Mornington Racecourse in Victoria. Music legend John Farnham led an all-star lineup that performed into the night.

Vanessa Amorosi opened the concert with Have A Look and a Slim Dusty classic. Daryl Braithwaite worked the crowd as they joined in on his hit Horses, and they backed it up by singing along with John Williamson on True Blue. Everyone was on their feet as Jon Stevens performed a medley of INXS and Noiseworks hits, and John Farnham closed the show with his signature song, You’re the Voice, and an encore of AC/DC’s Long Way to the Top.

Concert-goers and viewers were also treated to performances by The Black Sorrows with Vika and Linda, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Tim Wheatley and Little Georgia.

Nine was right behind the farmers cause in a three-and half-hour broadcast that captured all the excitement from the concert, while hosts Richard Wilkins and Rebecca Maddern chatted to the performers and some of Australia’s biggest names in entertainment manned the phones to take donations from the public.

Wayne Thomson, National Business Development Manager with Rural Aid, praised Nine for again showing its amazing commitment to supporting our farmers and their families.

“Hay Mate has been an unbelievable success and we can’t thank Channel Nine enough for televising the concert and Glenn Wheatley for organising it, he has worked tirelessly,” Mr Thomson said.

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 “We would also like to thank the public and corporate Australia for their incredible support. Rest assured, the money raised will provide much needed relief to farming families across drought-affected regions in the form of hay for livestock and financial assistance to pay bills and buy food.”

Event curator and organiser of Hay Mate, Glenn Wheatley, said: “I am beyond pleased with the result from Hay Mate. With the help of Rural Aid we can commence distribution of hay and water immediately to the farmers most in need. The generosity of all the Australians who donated is very touching.

“The generosity of all the artists who performed and donated their time is also touching. We will be able to make it a happier Christmas for many farmers because of Hay Mate.”

Along with the generosity of the public, corporate supporters dug deep for the farmers, with a special mention to these donors:

• Morgans:         $1.2 million
• Holdmark:       $750,000
• CBA:               $500,000
• BPAY:             $100,000
• Tomra:            $100,000

The Hay Mate concerts in 2018 and 2019 have raised over $7.5 million for Rural Aid, helping Australian farmers by providing hay and water and financial assistance.

You can still donate at www.haymate.org.au or call 1300 327 624.

For further information please contact:

Nine Publicity

Clare Gibbons

03 9420 3466

SYDNEY’S NEW LIGHT RAIL LAUNCH WEEKEND SUPPORTING DROUGHT AND FIRE AFFECTED FARMERS

Posted on 12 December 201931 October 2023

This weekend, as the CBD and South East Light Rail opens to the public between Circular Quay and Randwick, Rural Aid is partnering with Transport for NSW to urge Sydney commuters to support their rural neighbours.

The opening weekend, 14^th and 15^th December, of the new Sydney light rail services will be fare-free and a large number of customers are expected to try the new service. Volunteers will be collecting donations for Rural Aid at the Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall and Central Chalmers Street light rail stops to support NSW farming families. Funds raised will go towards supplying NSW farmers with hay, fresh drinking water and financial assistance.

With over 11,500 farmers registered with Rural Aid, and more than half of them located in NSW, the charity is being inundated with requests for help from farmers across the state who have run out of water, and lost pasture in recent bushfires. The tragic bushfires, as well as 100% of NSW being drought declared, has meant a big increase in farmers putting their hands up to ask for help. In November, the charity had over 1100 farmers register for aid.

Wayne Thomson, Rural Aid National Business Development Manager, said that it’s getting closer to the time when farmers have to make the life-changing decisions on what stock to keep and for some, whether or not to walk away from their farm.

“A lot of farmers have talked about January being the line in the ground and they’re more willing to put their hands up to ask for help. They are turning to us to stretch out an existence for as long as they can, hoping it will get them through to the end of what is a record breaking drought and added to this, the Bureau of Meteorology declaring Spring 2019 as the driest on record,” Wayne Thomson said.

“The well-anticipated launch of the new light rail presents a fantastic opportunity for Sydney commuters to support farmers suffering current drought and bushfire conditions on the land, and show their rural cousins that they care. We are very grateful to Transport for NSW for inviting us to be part of such a big milestone moment for the city and look forward to meeting hundreds of thousands Sydneysiders during the launch weekend.”

Over 100 Transport for NSW staff are volunteering their time during the launch weekend to collect funds for NSW farmers. They will be stationed at Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall and Central Chalmers Street light rail stops, equipped with ‘Tap & Go’ EFTPOS machines. Commuters will be encouraged to make a donations using credit card, PayPal or ‘Apple Pay’, or by donating online at www.ruralaid.org.au.

Minister for Transport Andrew Constance encouraged those intending on riding a tram to make a donation.

“This is a fare-free weekend so please give what you can to support NSW farmers,” Minister Constance said.

“While opening this new public transport service is exciting for the city we know drought and fires have made life tough for those in those in the bush, this is a good opportunity to get behind the communities impacted.”

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.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Raylee Huggett – 0447 116 757

A $1.7M Christmas Gift for 5,800 Farming Families

Posted on 12 December 201931 October 2023

Glencore’s coal business in partnership with RuralAid will provide farming families in New South Wales and Queensland affected by drought with IGA gift vouchers for Christmas this year.

Like most Australians we are incredibly proud of the contribution farmers and their families make to our country. We also recognise people in rural communities are doing it tough this year because of the drought.

Glencore’s coal business has around 5,800 employees working across New South Wales and Queensland.  On behalf of each coal employee we will be providing a $300 IGA gift voucher for groceries to 5,800 farming families affected by the drought.  As each of our coal employees celebrate Christmas with their families, this A$1.7M for gift vouchers will allow rural families to celebrate with their own family.

Ian Cribb, Chief Operating Officer for Glencore’s Australian coal business said that he hoped this gift in some small way helped farmers and their families have a more enjoyable Christmas.

Glencore has been pleased to work in partnership with IGA and RuralAid, one of Australia’s largest rural assistance organisations.

Wayne Thomson, Rural Aid National Business Development Manager said the gift from Glencore would bring some welcome Christmas cheer to a number of families in rural and regional areas. 

“Many of us living in a thriving city environment can find it difficult to comprehend the extent of the drought,” Wayne Thomson said.

“The realities of the harsh Australian conditions and natural disasters are devastating for our farmers and rural communities on many levels. The IGA gift vouchers, being mailed to farmers, will allow them to shop within their local communities, bringing a much needed financial injection into their local economy.”

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Media
Allyn Hamonet	m: 0418 228 075		allyn.hamonet@glencore.com.au
Francisde Rosa	m: 0417 074 751		francis.de.rosa@glencore.com

www.glencore.com.au

Notes for Editors

About Glencore in Australia

Glencore has operated in Australia for over 20 years and holds significant interests in a range of commodity industries across all mainland states and the Northern Territory.

Headquartered in Sydney, we are a major Australian employer, with 18,000 people working across industries that include coal, copper, zinc, nickel, oil and agricultural products.

During 2018 in Australia, Glencore contributed more than $15.6 billion to the regional, state and national economies. The most significant economic contribution came from core business activities: employing people, sourcing from local communities, and paying taxes to host governments.

For more information, visit www.glencore.com.au  

Glencore’s coal business in Australia

Glencore is one of Australia’s largest coal producers with 16 operational mines across New South Wales and Queensland.

We provide employment for around 10,000 Australians and in 2018 managed the production of about 108 million tonnes of thermal and coking coal, predominantly for export. We have a strong safety and environmental performance and play an active role in the development of low emission coal technology.

	www.facebook.com/GlencoreAus
	www.twitter.com/GlencoreAUS
	www.linkedin.com/company/8518
	www.youtube.com/glencorevideos

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.

Rural Aid and CBA roll 296 bales of hay into drought-stricken Armidale

Posted on 12 December 201931 October 2023

ARMIDALE, 11/12 December 2019: With drought conditions set to worsen and communities suffering with the impact of both the drought and bushfires, Rural Aid and Commonwealth Bank have delivered close to 300 bales of hay to farmers in northern New South Wales, as part of CommBank’s 2019 Christmas Drought Appeal.

Following CBA’s donation to Rural Aid for the Appeal, the much needed hay was delivered on road trains and distributed to farmers in Armidale, who filled up their trucks with feed to take to their livestock on Wednesday morning.

On-the-ground delivering hay to local farmers, Grant Cairns, Executive General Manager for Regional and Agribusiness Banking at CBA said, “As New South Wales continues to experience one of the worst droughts on record, farmers around the Armidale and Tamworth regions have been forced to sell their stock, unable to source feed.

“Thanks to generous donations of our customers, employees and the broader community, we’ve been able to contribute to the vital work Rural Aid are doing to support communities affected by the drought. Delivering feed to farmers is such a great initiative and every little bit helps.

“We hope that donations continue well into the holiday season as we show our farmers we’re thinking of them during this extremely difficult time. We’re accepting donations for the 2019 Christmas Drought Appeal through the CommBank app and in-branch, so customers to make donations anywhere, anytime.”

Rural Aid NSW Business Development Manager, Craig Marsh said he would like to thank CBA for supporting our farmers who are struggling, on many levels, through this record-breaking drought and now, the impact of bushfires.

“The hay drop, made possible by the generosity of CBA’s customers, employees and the broader community, will go a long way in easing some of the burden experienced by the 35 Armidale farmers struggling to feed their stock,” Craig Marsh said.

In addition to this week’s hay drop, on Sunday, CBA has partnered with Channel 9 for the Nine Hay Mate charity concert in Mornington Peninsula to help raise money through a telethon for Rural Aid. The concert will include performances from Australian legends John Farnham, Daryl Braithwaite with Channel Nine veteran Richard Wilkins as the event’s host.

CommBank call centres will be taking calls to facilitate donations throughout the event with over 300 staff volunteering to support the drought effort.

About the CommBank Christmas Drought Appeal

The Commonwealth Bank will be donating $500,000 to each of its fundraising partners on the appeal: Rural Aid and Australian Red Cross, in order to provide balance in supporting regional communities for the short and long term.

Rural Aid is one of the largest rural charities in Australia, with a focus on supporting farmers and rural communities in times of natural disaster such as drought, flood and fire. Well known for the highly successful ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign, their support includes fodder, financial assistance, water, counselling and volunteers. The charity also supports initiatives that are focussed on the long term sustainability of farming and rural communities.

Australian Red Cross is the nation’s leading humanitarian organisation and a national emergency responder. It supports and empowers people and communities in times of vulnerability to reduce suffering, by mobilising a network of volunteers.

To find out more about the CommBank Christmas Drought Appeal, go to: http://www.commbank.com.au/drought.

Contact Details

CBA Media

+61 02 9118 6919

media@cba.com.au

commbank.com.au/newsroom

Twitter: @cbanewsroom

Finish and Rural Aid deliver 2 million litres of water to New England region as part of #FinishWaterWaste initiative

Posted on 10 December 201931 October 2023

New South Wales, Australia, 10 December 2019 – After being devastated by recent bushfires that swept across the region, drought-stricken communities in New England are set to benefit from a much-needed delivery of 2 million litres of water from today onwards, thanks to the national #FinishWaterWaste initiative which commenced in September in partnership with Rural Aid.

With the first litres of water being delivered to farmers in Glen Innes today, this third ‘water drop’ will be the largest #FinishWaterWaste delivery to date and will help support those most impacted by the fires and drought, replenishing water tanks for farmers and their families in the New England region, just in time for Christmas.

The #FinishWaterWaste initiative encourages Australians to turn off the tap and stop pre-rinsing their dishes to save up to 40 litres of water per load¹, and in turn promises to donate 6.8 million litres of water³ to communities suffering from the drought.

Glen Innes was severely impacted by the October bushfires that shocked the nation, with 80 blazes in the area destroying over 150 homes. When local water restrictions were escalated from Level 3 to Level 4 in November, there were still 14 active fires burning.

Glen Innes remains the smallest and most rural local government in the state to declare Climate Emergency in response to unprecedented drought and bushfire conditions.

Rural Aid spokesperson Craig Marsh said: “Seeing the devastation families experienced during the bushfires meant there was no question that Glen Innes and the New England region were in need of our assistance. With 2 million litres of water to donate, we are hopeful the delivery will help families that have already suffered immensely from the drought and fires, providing some reprieve during the festive season.”

Research shows more than three quarters of Australians use their dishwashers at least two to three times a week, with the majority rinsing their dishes beforehand⁵. This unnecessary habit can waste up to 40 litres of water per load¹; or, an estimated 20 billion litres of water in just one year².

To help #FinishWaterWaste and support those families impacted by the drought, Finish is continuing to encourage Australians to turn off the tap and stop pre-rinsing their dishes. For each promise to #FinishWaterWaste that is shared via social media, Finish will donate 40 litres of much-needed water to drought-affected Australians.

For more information on the campaign and to see the T&Cs, visit: www.finishwaterwaste.com.au

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NOTES TO THE EDITOR

How to get involved

Make the promise via social media by sharing a public post demonstrating their favourite water saving tip, tagging #FinishWaterWaste and Finish will donate 40 litres of water to people that need it via Rural Aid⁷.

6 way to save water at home⁸

1. Dual flush on the toilet saves 80% per flush
2. Modern showerheads save 50% per minute
3. Front loading washing machines save 70% per load
4. Dishwashers save 90% per load
5. Low flow taps save 50% per minute
6. Drip irrigation saves 99% per hour

About Finish

Finish is the world’s #1 recommended dishwasher brand globally² and has been at the forefront of automatic dishwashing for over 60 years. Since 1964, Finish has been on Australian shores, establishing itself as the leader in dishwashing detergent with its revolutionary powder.

Finish Quantum Ultimate gives Finish’s best ever clean, offering improved cleaning power on the toughest grease for the greatest shine.

Finish has made a global commitment to make a difference to the world’s water scarcity issue, partnering with not-for-profit Rural Aid and content partner, National Geographic to drive awareness.

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.

References

¹ February 2019, Poseidon Omnibus Study n=1000. Commissioned by RB.

²Based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Nielsen Homescan and global Finish research on dishwasher usage.

³Donations of water resulting from promises made on social media and in-store purchases of select packs of Finish Quantum Ultimate will cap at 6,800,000 litres. See finishwaterwaste.com,au for more details. ²

⁴Where our water goes from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/whereourwatergoes/Australia/

⁵Based on global Finish research on dishwasher usage.