Rural Aid

Have you heard of the Livestock Severe Weather Emergency Plan❓ Primary producers see the impact of a changing climate and increasingly unpredictable weather every day. Working with industry, councils, Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Rural Aid, Get Ready Queensland developed the plan to help primary producers build resilience. Download the Livestock Severe Weather Emergency Plan at https://lnkd.in/grBAT7v Register with Rural Aid here: https://lnkd.in/g66fBCn4 #GetReadyQueensland #Livestockplan #SevereWeather #RuralQueensland  

Rural Aid welcomes Dave Thiele, the new Farm Recovery and Community Events Coordinator. After many loyal years, Grant Miskimmin is retiring and handing the reigns over to Dave. Getting to know Dave Thiel: My professional journey has been diverse, encompassing experiences in sales, mining, recruitment, and mentoring. My most rewarding role so far was as a community development officer, where I had the opportunity to work closely with remote communities in South Australia. With 15 years as a volunteer firefighter and 8 years as the president of my local brigade, I have a deep commitment to serving others. As a parent of four, I value family connections and spent my childhood on the Eyre Peninsula before settling in regional South Australia. My family and I recently embarked on an adventure, traveling across Australia’s eastern states, where we have had the opportunity of making unforgettable memories. I am excited at the opportunity to join the Rural Aid team and continue the great work they do to ensure the sustainability of our farmers into the future. If you want to join our dedicated Rural Aid volunteer, you can keep an eye out on the website for when the 2025 events are announced or register now to be first on the list: https://lnkd.in/gpznt-Kx

Rural Aid thanks our Corporate Partner, UCB Stores (United Convenience Buyers). UCB have been supporting our True Mates program since it launched in April 2023, and during the month of August, they also raised funds through a 10c donation campaign across 1400 convenience stores, to support the programs that Rural Aid provides our Aussie farmers. The team at UCB strongly believe "Retailers are the heart of many Australian communities, bringing people together and making a positive impact through charitable initiatives and collaborations." Rural Aid and UCB thank their Trade Partners Asahi Beverages, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Suntory Oceania, Bega Group, Peters Ice Cream, Unilever (Streets), Lactalis Group, Brownes Dairy, Red Bull, LeVeL Beverages, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Repco, Pacific Optics, LIAISE INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD, Mars, Nestlé, Mondelēz International, PepsiCo, Patties Food Group and Remedy Drinks Together, we’ve made a difference for our Mates in the Bush.

Rural Aid and Erebus Join Forces to Support Australian Farmers at Bathurst 1000 Both Erebus Motorsport Camaros will proudly showcase Rural Aid branding as they take to the Mountain this weekend to raise awareness of the challenges facing Australian farmers. Erebus owner Betty Klimenko said since becoming part of a rural community herself she had seen just how hard it is for farmers to stay afloat. “It’s heartbreaking to know that some families are being forced to leave properties that have been in their name for generations. Every farming family we lose is another scar on our land,” Betty said. To read more👉 https://lnkd.in/gUiwiHeX  

Rural Aid supports the Healthier Rural Australia Campaign. The NRHA submitted a petition calling for a 10-year National Rural Health Strategy that includes advocating for better access to services, promoting health education, and enhancing community engagement. Rural Aid has lent its voice and that of the 18,000 registered farmers in support of the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) petition submitted to Australian Parliament this month to build a healthier future for rural Australia. Rural Aid is dedicated to improving the mental health outcomes of rural Australia. The Rural Aid Mental Health and Wellbeing team is made up of experienced counsellors who are based in rural towns across the country. “We recognise that access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge for many in rural communities. It is our collective responsibility to address these inequalities.” Said John Warlters Rural Aid CEO. How Can You Help? Join us in advocating for improved rural healthcare. Together, we can ensure that every person, regardless of their location, has access to the quality care they deserve. Sign the e-petition today on the below link and help create a healthier, more equitable future for rural and remote Australians.  👉 https://lnkd.in/dw7QGEKP Be the Change. Join us in championing for a healthier rural Australia. Photo credit: Kate Bradshaw

This Mental Health Month, we’re taking a moment to recognise the importance of mental health support, particularly in rural and remote communities across Australia. Living in rural areas brings unique challenges—long hours of isolation, unpredictable weather, financial stress, and the pressure to keep farms running can take a toll on mental health. At Rural Aid, we’ve seen firsthand the resilience of our farming communities. But even the toughest individuals need help sometimes. That’s why Mental Health Month is such a critical time to raise awareness about the importance of seeking support when needed and starting conversations that could save lives. Throughout Mental Health Month, we’ll be launching our happiness initiative. Research shows that positive messaging — particularly content that is uplifting and hopeful—can inspire better mental health behaviours and attitudes. Messages that focus on personal growth, recovery, and community support help reduce distress and encourage people to seek help when needed. We will be sending messages of positivity and action to all our farmers, supporters, and partners to promote happiness, positivity and wellbeing.   

We recently witnessed 24 teams coming together on the golf course to combine networking and sportsmanship, all in support of Rural Aid. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Elanco Australia, our valued partner, and the generous sponsors of the Qld Agri-business Rural Aid Golf Day, which took place at the picturesque Toowoomba Middle Ridge Golf Club. With the unwavering support of our dedicated sponsors, we are able to sustain our mission of offering critical assistance to rural communities, including essentials like fodder, domestic water, and crucial mental health services for those enduring challenging times. Agri Talent Agri Labour Australia Virbac Ridley Corporation Ltd Zoetis Laucke Mills Waratah (Website: www.waratahfencing.com.au/) Louis Dreyfus (Website: www.ldc.com/) Qube Agri (Website: qube.com.au/services/agri/) Granular Products Pty Ltd Whites Wires (Website: whitesrural.com.au/) Coopers Brewery Datamars (Website: us.livestock.datamars.com/) Dechra Agricon (Website: www.agricon.com.au/) Redmonds Produce (Website: https://lnkd.in/grNRqEGq) RM Williams Publishing (Website: https://lnkd.in/gdAHTKM6) Queensland Rugby Union (Queensland Reds) BULLS MASTERS

Last week Rural Aid's Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager, Myf Pritcher, attended and Chaired sessions at the National Rural Health Conference in Perth, Western Australia. Myf advised that it was a great conference and opportunity to reconnect with partners, and create new relationships. The opening address was by the Honourable Emma McBride, MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention inspiring. As well, the sessions on Climate and Disasters were really fascinating. Myf was able to reconnect with National Centre for Farmer Health – Alison Kennedy and Sally Cunningham, as well as Susi Tegen, Lisa Wylde, Carmen Ellis (nee Armstrong) and Leanne Kelly from the National Rural Health Alliance, amongst so many other health professionals. It is a privilege to have Rural Aid at these pivotal events, helping to guide the path forward for farmers mental health and the rural communities they live in.

Rural Aid is thankful to long-time corporate partner, Morgans Financial Limited for hosting Big Dry Friday again this year. The event has been raising funds and awareness to support rural and regional Australia since 2018, helping bridge the gap between city and country. As one of the beneficiaries, Rural Aid will use the donation to support our Aussie farming families in the summer season ahead. To see highlights from the event, check out: https://lnkd.in/gtsa9567  

Rural Aid is proud to have Sharon Novak, Rural Aid's Disaster Assistance Manager, representing us at the National Preparedness Summit in Canberra. The event is a great place to meet people and brainstorm ideas. Sharon caught up with Bindy Lupis from the Emergency Services at the Salvation Army. This key event, organised by National Emergency Management Agency, brings together stakeholders to enhance our collective ability to mobilise for both preparedness and response as we approach the next high-risk weather season. While we hope for favourable conditions, planning remains vital for resilience. Rural Aid is currently assisting farmers in parts of South Australia and Victoria, where dry conditions persist, recently compounded by frost. Rural Aid plays a crucial role in sharing essential information, helping farmers and rural communities prepare for forecasted risks and adapt to the challenges ahead. To see more, check out:  https://lnkd.in/gcPxeb2G