Rural Aid appealing for donations for flood victims
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