Rural Aid has proudly reached a major milestone this month, with its 200th farm receiving vital support as part of the charity’s Farm Recovery Event currently underway in Coraki, in the New South Wales Northern Rivers. The event, running through to 2nd August, marks a significant achievement in Rural Aid’s ongoing commitment to Australia’s farming communities.
Since its inception in 2018, the Farm Recovery Events program has provided hands-on assistance to farmers facing hardship, delivering practical help and hope to over 200 farms nationwide. Alongside individual farm support, Rural Aid has now completed 293 community and recovery projects, with the Coraki event marking the latest chapter in this impactful national initiative.
The work has spanned 45 towns and regions, from drought-affected Queensland properties to bushfire-ravaged areas in Victoria. Communities across Queensland (16), New South Wales (19), Victoria (9) and South Australia (2) have welcomed Rural Aid volunteers, who have contributed more than 56,000 hours of skilled labour over the past seven years.
This year alone, volunteers have collectively travelled more than 86,000 kilometres to take part in the charity’s FREs.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the milestone is a reflection of the charity’s commitment to long-term recovery and rural wellbeing.
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“Our Farm Recovery Events are about more than fixing fences or building cattle yards,” Mr Warlters said. “They restore hope. Every kilometre travelled, every hour volunteered, is a reminder to our farmers that they are not alone.”
“Reaching our 200th farm is a significant achievement. It speaks to the strength of the rural spirit and the generosity of everyday Australians who put up their hands to help.”
The benefits of the program are both practical and personal. Volunteers help with essential property repairs, but the presence of helping hands and listening ears can have lasting mental health benefits for farmers recovering from drought, floods or fire.
“Time and again, farmers tell us that just having someone show up to help, even just to share a cuppa and talk, makes all the difference,” Mr Warlters said. “It reduces isolation, lifts spirits and strengthens resilience.”
The wider community also benefits, with Rural Aid completing more than 100 projects in public spaces like halls, showgrounds, schools and sporting clubs.
FREs also offer a unique and rewarding opportunity for corporate partners to take part in meaningful team-building experiences while directly supporting rural communities. Many businesses have already joined forces with Rural Aid to get their teams involved in on-the-ground recovery, gaining insight into rural life and creating real social impact.
Long-time Rural Aid volunteer Raelee Keegan said the experience is just as meaningful for those giving their time.
“We go in to help, but we get so much back,” she said. “You feel the gratitude and the connection straight away. I’ve volunteered in towns I’d never even heard of before, and now they feel like part of my extended family.”
Rural Aid’s Farm Recovery Events rely on community donations, corporate support and a dedicated team of volunteers.
“While we’re proud of how far we’ve come, there’s so much more to do,” Mr Warlters said. “We’ll keep showing up, because rural Australia matters.”
To support Rural Aid’s recovery work or learn more, visit www.ruralaid.org.au.
