NRL lending their support to our drought-stricken farmers
The National Rugby League (NRL) is getting behind our Aussie farmers during the Telstra Premiership and finals series and broadcasting to footy enthusiasts to donate to Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale initiative.
Rural Aid CEO Charles Alder thanked the NRL and their broadcast partners – Channel 9, Fox Sports, Triple M, 2GB (Macquarie), ABC Radio and Crocmedia – for their support of Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale initiative.
“Many of our Aussie farmers are struggling to afford the cost of fodder to feed their stock,” Charles Alder said.
“With 98 per cent of NSW and over 66 per cent of Queensland drought impacted, many of our farmers have had to down size their stock and then hand feed the stock they have left. Nothing can grow to feed stock where there is just dirt and no water.
“It’s fantastic that the NRL and their broadcast partners will get the message out to our rugby league enthusiasts that their generosity in donating to Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale initiative will help our farmers feed their stock.”
NRL Head of Government and Community Relations, Jaymes Boland-Rudder said there was no hesitation when it came to the NRL and broadcast partners drawing awareness to supporting farmers and communities in need.
“So many of our supporters, players, coaches, referees and volunteers live in regional and rural areas of Australia and now more than ever, they need our help,” Mr Boland-Rudder said.
“We often take for granted the resilience of our farmers and those on the land, but that resilience is being tested beyond belief, at the moment.
“Sadly, drought and fire affected regions, in particular, will continue well past this year’s rugby league season and I encourage all of our fans to give generously where they can.
“I also thank Rural Aid for their ongoing efforts to raise funds and awareness for communities that make up a significant part of our country.”
Charles Alder explained that many of us living in a thriving city environment can find it difficult to comprehend the extent of the drought and its effect on farmers and rural communities.
“The realities of the harsh Australian conditions and natural disasters, such as drought and bush fires, are devastating for our farmers on many levels,” Charles Alder said.
“It’s not only the farmers that are affected, businesses, both large and small in the rural communities that support our farmers also feel the economic effects.”
If you haven’t yet had a chance to donate and wish to play your part, text FOOTY to 0437 371 371 and donate $5 or more to buyabale.com.au – a Rural Aid initiative
About Rural Aid
Rural Aid supports farmers and rural communities in times of natural disaster such as flood, fire and drought. In addition, Rural Aid focusses on supporting the sustainability of regional and farming communities. Its disaster relief program includes the nationally recognised Buy a Bale campaign. Other programs include providing volunteer support to rural towns, musical instruments to regional schools and mental health counselling. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for further information on these programs and other support for our rural communities.
Media enquiries: Raylee
Huggett – 0447 116 757