Rural Aid Calls for Volunteers to Help Flood-Hit Wingham Farmers Recover
Rural Aid is calling out for volunteers from across the country to lend a hand at its upcoming Farm Recovery Event (FRE) in Wingham, New South Wales, from 7 – 13 September 2025.
Wingham, located on the NSW Mid North Coast, was left devastated by record-breaking floods in late May. Rural Aid will be on the ground in September, helping farmers rebuild their lives, properties, and livelihoods.
The charity is urging individuals, community groups, and businesses to sign up and be part of a rewarding week of giving back, connection and community.
“This is one of the best ways you can make a direct impact in disaster recovery,” said Rural Aid’s Farm Recovery and Community Event Coordinator, Dave Thiele. “Volunteers are the heartbeat of these events – they bring energy, compassion, and practical support to farmers who’ve been doing it tough.”
Volunteers don’t need any specific skills or experience to take part. Over the course of the week, they’ll help fix fences, restore damaged infrastructure, clear debris, maintain gardens and yards, and most importantly, offer vital companionship to farmers.
“Our volunteers often tell us the time spent sitting on the veranda having a cuppa with a farmer is just as important as the physical work,” Mr Thiele added. “That human connection is part of what makes these events so special.”
Volunteers come from all walks of life and travel from all corners of Australia to take part. Many return again and again.
Neville Leclere, a recent first-time volunteer at the Coraki, NSW Farm Recovery Event in July, shared how much the experience meant to him.
“I’ve always wanted to be a volunteer in this type of work, and I’d never had the opportunity to do it until now,” Mr Leclere said.
“We had a great bunch of volunteers, and it was fantastic working alongside the farmers. The community really welcomed us – they loved having us there. Getting together each night for dinner made it a really good social event, and I’ll definitely be back for sure.”
Rural Aid also encourages businesses to consider FREs as an impactful corporate volunteering opportunity.
“These events are a fantastic way to get staff out of the office and into the community,” said Mr Thiele. “They offer a meaningful team-building experience while making a real difference to regional Australia.”
Volunteers are encouraged to register their interest online at www.ruralaid.org.au/volunteers.
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