News Archives - Page 8 of 74

NRL fans tap into ‘The Great Shout’ this Magic Round

Posted on 2 May 20252 May 2025

A sellout crowd will descend on Suncorp Stadium this weekend to cheer on their favourite teams and help flood affected western Queensland farmers by buying a ‘beer for the bush’.

Great Northern’s Ian Giles said this weekend’s NRL Magic Round is a magic opportunity and hopes the latest announcement will take the total raised by The Great Shout to more than $300,000 for Queensland farmers battling to rebuild.

“For every schooner of Great Northern Super Crisp sold at Suncorp Stadium for the Women’s State of Origin on Thursday night and the next three days of Magic Round, Great Northern will donate 50 cents to our charity partner Rural Aid,” Mr Giles said.

On the same weekend, across Queensland, The Great Shout will also see Great Northern donate around 500 kegs of Super Crisp to more than 200 Queensland pubs and clubs to sell for the charity.

Rural Aid will use the funds for hay deliveries to starving livestock, direct financial relief for impacted farmers and for ongoing mental health support through its dedicated counselling team.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said record-breaking floods had devastated a vast area the equivalent in size to two Victorias.

“Hundreds of farms have suffered significant losses and the financial and emotional strain on families is enormous,” Mr Warlters said.

“Thankfully, Western Queensland farmers are tough and are getting on with the job of rebuilding no matter how daunting the task.”

If you can’t make it to Suncorp Stadium for Magic Round please donate or find your local participating pub or club via this link: https://the-great-shout.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 to Deliver Vital Farm Recovery Event in East Gippsland

Posted on 2 May 20252 May 2025

Rural Aid is set to deliver a much-needed Farm Recovery Event (FRE) from 4 to 10 May 2025 in Bairnsdale, Victoria, supporting local farmers still reeling from years of devastating natural disasters.

The week-long event will bring together skilled volunteers to assist with practical on-farm work and provide critical emotional and community support to farming families. The FRE will see volunteers help with fencing repairs, yard maintenance, vegetation clearing, and small construction tasks – all aimed at helping farmers get back on their feet.

East Gippsland, a region known for its beef and dairy farming, has endured a relentless series of challenges in recent years: the catastrophic 2020–21 Black Summer bushfires, back-to-back floods in 2021 and 2022, destructive storms in 2023, and the ongoing impacts of a “green drought.” Despite the land’s appearance of vitality, moisture deficits have severely hindered pasture and crop growth, compounding the pressure on local producers.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the FRE will provide a critical morale boost for farming families.

“Our Farm Recovery Events do more than fix fences — they help rebuild lives. After years of trauma and relentless setbacks, our farmers need to know they’re not alone. This week is about connection, hope, and putting hands and hearts to work,” Mr Warlters said.

The FRE will also feature mental health support, morning teas, and community connection events. A Rural Aid counsellor will be on-site throughout the week to offer support to farming families doing it tough.

Local East Gippsland beef farmer and FRE host, Peter Treasure, says the help couldn’t come at a better time.

“Since taking over the farm after my father passed, it’s been a constant juggling act—managing everything on my own, dealing with regular flooding, and caring for my mother. There’s always more to do than time allows, and tasks like fence repairs or general upkeep often get put off. These jobs aren’t any less important—they just tend to get pushed aside when more urgent things come up. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming farm recovery event with Rural Aid. The opportunity to have volunteers come out and help will make a huge difference, allowing me to catch up on vital work. It’s a relief to know that there’s support available and that I won’t have to do everything alone,” he said.

In addition to the physical work, the FRE invests back into the East Gippsland economy by sourcing food, accommodation, and materials locally, ensuring the benefits of the event extend well beyond the farm gates.

Rural Aid volunteer Peter Holland, who’s attending his 11^th FRE, says the events are as rewarding for volunteers as they are for farmers.

“It’s a privilege to be part of something so meaningful. You get your hands dirty, share a few laughs, and you leave knowing you’ve made a real difference in someone’s life,” he said.

Rural Aid encourages the public to support its ongoing recovery work through donations and volunteer registrations. More information is available at www.ruralaid.org.au.

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

Flood-Affected Farmers Urged to Register with Rural Aid for Support Services

Posted on 30 April 202530 April 2025

Rural Aid is urging flood-affected farmers in Queensland, North West New South Wales, and Northern South Australia to register now for support, as access improves, and the true extent of losses is revealed.

Rural Aid has been providing assistance since the early days of the disaster, partnering with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries to deliver emergency hay drops by helicopter to isolated properties. With floodwaters now receding and roads reopening, hay is being delivered by truck in greater volumes to those still doing it tough.

“We’ve been there from the start” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters. “That support doesn’t stop just because water has receded.”

While hay remains a key focus, it’s just one part of the broader support package available to registered farmers. Rural Aid provides:

Free mental health counselling, delivered by accredited counsellors who understand rural life and its pressures. This service is confidential, compassionate, and designed to support farmers, their families, and communities through stress, grief, trauma, and uncertainty.
Emergency water deliveries to support livestock and household needs
Financial assistance to help with immediate recovery and longer-term resilience
Community rebuilding programs that restore vital infrastructure and local morale

Rural Aid’s support is designed to meet both urgent and ongoing needs, helping farmers not only manage through disaster but rebuild stronger.

Farmers must be registered to receive support. Registration is free and quick via www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/ or by calling 1300 327 624.

As conditions change, Rural Aid will continue to adapt its response to ensure every farming family has access to the help they need — when and where it matters most.

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

‘There to Lend a Hand’ – Josh Arnold Pens Powerful Anthem to Celebrate Rural Aid’s 10-Year Milestone

Posted on 30 April 202530 April 2025

Golden Guitar-winning singer-songwriter Josh Arnold has released a moving new song, There to Lend a Hand, in celebration of Rural Aid’s 10-year anniversary. The stirring track and accompanying music video pay tribute to the strength, spirit, and stories of Australia’s farmers, while shining a light on the vital work Rural Aid does in supporting rural and regional communities.

Arnold, a proud country Queenslander, is well known for his ability to capture the heart and soul of the bush through music. His latest release is no exception. There to Lend a Hand tells a story of perseverance through hardship, the bonds of community, and the quiet heroism of Aussie farmers—who carry on through floods, droughts and fires, often with the help of Rural Aid by their side.

“I feel emotionally connected to every project I work on, but this one’s especially close to my heart,” said Josh Arnold. “I grew up in a small country town and understand just how important Rural Aid’s support can be during tough times. This song is my way of saying thank you—to the farmers who never give up, and to the people who make sure they’re never alone.”

The music video, compiling footage from rural communities, features real farmers, natural disasters and Rural Aid volunteers. It provides a heartfelt, visual companion to the track, showing not just the challenges faced on the land, but the mateship, compassion and courage that underpin rural life.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the organisation was proud to mark 10 years of service with a song that so powerfully captures its mission.

“Josh has done an incredible job of bringing the Rural Aid story to life,” said Mr Warlters.

“For the past decade, we’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Australia’s rural communities—through natural disasters, mental health challenges, and financial pressures. There to Lend a Hand is a tribute to that work, and more importantly, to the resilient people we’re privileged to support.”

Since its inception in 2015, Rural Aid has grown into one of Australia’s largest rural support charities, offering a lifeline to thousands of farming families doing it tough. The organisation has supported communities through a wide range of initiatives—from hay drops and water deliveries, to mental health counselling and community-building programs. Rural Aid has provided vital aid during times of drought, bushfire, flood, and economic hardship, and continues to stand by rural Australia when it’s needed most.

There to Lend a Hand was officially launched at a special anniversary event in Brisbane, with Josh performing the song live on Channel Nine’s Today Show at Suncorp Stadium. The response has already been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the song’s honesty and emotional impact.

The impact of There to Lend a Hand has also extended across social media, with popular TV shows A Farmer Wants a Wife and Muster Dogs sharing the song with their audiences. Both shows, known for their authentic portrayal of rural life and the people who live it, praised the track for its heartfelt message and celebration of Aussie farming communities. Their support has helped bring even more attention to the vital work of Rural Aid, as well as the power of music to unite and uplift during challenging times.

The song is now available to stream or download via the following platforms:

🎧 YouTube: Watch the official music video
🎧 Spotify: Stream on Spotify
🎧 Apple Music: Listen on Apple Music

To learn more about Rural Aid’s ongoing work, or to make a donation, visit www.ruralaid.org.au.

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

‘The Great Shout’ backs flooded Queensland communities

Posted on 30 April 202530 April 2025

Queenslanders are being urged to raise a glass and much-needed funds for one of the state’s worst flood disasters.

Great Northern today launches The Great Shout. It will see the brewer partner with around 250 Queensland pubs and clubs to help flood victims in the state’s centre and west by raising at least $200,000, with expectations of more.

Fundraisers will be held on May 2- 5 over the NRL’s Magic Round using up to 500 kegs of Super Crisp donated by Great Northern. Fund will go direct to Rural Aid.

Many towns are still cut off and, with a massive clean-up ahead, Central and Western Queenslanders are now counting the cost and severity of recent record-breaking floods.

Quilpie Mayor, Ben Hall said the devastation facing his region, in Queensland’s south-west, and seven other Queensland shires, was immense.

“The March flood is the most devastating this region has ever experienced and any help we can get would be welcomed,” Mr Hall said.

He said the size and scale was difficult to comprehend with farms, homes and entire towns in ruins across an area four times the size of the United Kingdom.

In response, Great Northern has launched The Great Shout, a “have a beer for the bush” campaign.

The funds will go directly to Great Northern’s charity partner Rural Aid, which will use the money to deliver hay to starving livestock, provide direct financial relief and fund ongoing mental health support through its dedicated counselling team.

Farmers have welcomed the help, including Lousie Hoch, lifelong Quilpie station owner and mother of four who has lost tens of thousands of metres of fencing, vital earthworks, on-farm transport routes and up to 3,500 head of stock.

“Flooding in the Channel Country happens, but nothing like this,” Ms Hoch said.

“It was so high so fast and more ferocious than I have ever seen it. It just cleared everything in its path.”

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said that while times are tough, Aussie farmers are tougher, and with a bit of help they will get back on their feet.

“Recovery from a disaster of this scale won’t be quick—many farmers face months of ongoing hardship. With the backing of Great Northern, Rural Aid is committed to standing by our rural communities every step of the way.”

Ian Giles from Great Northern Brewing Co said that in the worst of times, mateship always shines through.

“Mates helping mates is the Queensland way.

“So, shout a few cold ones, and raise a glass over the May long weekend to our hardworking farmers and communities who have it pretty rough at the moment.”

A full list of participating pubs and clubs, along with how information on how to donate if you can’t make it to a venue, will be progressively published on

https://the-great-shout.ruralaid.org.au/ in coming days.

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