Rural Aid Hits Major Milestone: 200 Farms Supported and Counting

It’s been a big month for Rural Aid, with the charity reaching a major milestone—supporting its 200th farm through its hands-on Farm Recovery Events. This latest achievement comes as volunteers roll up their sleeves in Coraki, in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, where the latest recovery event is currently underway.

Since launching the program in 2018, Rural Aid has provided practical support to farming families doing it tough — helping repair properties, rebuild hope, and strengthen rural resilience. The charity’s work has now touched over 200 individual farms and completed nearly 300 community projects across 45 towns nationwide.

From drought-stricken paddocks in Queensland to bushfire-affected properties in Victoria, volunteers have contributed more than 56,000 hours of labour over the past seven years. In 2024 alone, they’ve travelled more than 86,000 kilometres to lend a hand — proof that the Aussie spirit of giving is alive and well.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said this 200-farm milestone is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of deep community commitment and solidarity.

“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.”

Volunteers not only tackle physical jobs like fence repairs and construction, they also offer something just as important: company and compassion. For farmers navigating the aftermath of drought, fires or floods, simply having someone show up and sit down for a cuppa can make a world of difference.

“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 program also benefits the broader community. More than 100 public spaces — halls, showgrounds, schools and sporting clubs—have been upgraded thanks to Rural Aid’s recovery work. It’s a ripple effect that boosts local morale and brings people together.

Corporate partners have also come on board, finding in Rural Aid a meaningful way to connect with rural Australia through team-building and direct community involvement. Long-time volunteer Raelee Keegan said she’s gained as much as she’s given.

“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.”

The team at Rural Aid is proud of how far they’ve come — but they’re not slowing down.

“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 the next chapter of Rural Aid’s recovery journey, visit www.ruralaid.org.au.