Farmers across Australia – particularly those in disaster-impacted regions – have been strongly encouraged to register with Rural Aid now, as ongoing natural disasters and worsening weather conditions continue to threaten rural communities.
Large areas of Victoria are currently battling bushfires, while North Queensland continues to experience flooding and cyclone impacts, and parts of New South Wales face storms, heavy rainfall and damaging winds. With further bad weather forecast for the weekend, conditions are expected to deteriorate in many regions, placing additional strain on farmers already under pressure.
Rural Aid is urging farmers to register immediately to ensure support can be delivered as quickly as possible when it is needed most.
“Disasters don’t wait, and neither should farmers,” Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said.
“Registering with Rural Aid now means we can act fast when conditions worsen, whether that’s financial relief, counselling, or delivering hay and water to farmers who need it most.”
Rural Aid is already responding in disaster-affected regions, providing direct financial assistance to farmers in north-west Queensland and Victoria to help cover urgent and unexpected expenses as they recover from floods, fires and severe weather events.
“Our teams are already working in disaster zones, supporting farmers who are exhausted, overwhelmed and facing enormous uncertainty,” Mr Warlters said.
“By registering early, farmers ensure critical support can be delivered as quickly as possible when disasters strike.”
Wariters said Rural Aid provided free support to registered farmers and their families, including:
• Financial assistance for urgent and unexpected expenses
• Professional counselling and wellbeing support
• Hay deliveries to feed livestock
• Water deliveries for household needs
• Volunteer assistance through Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs
With severe weather forecast across multiple states this weekend — including dangerous fire conditions in Victoria and Western Australia and heavy rainfall and consequent flooding in parts of Queensland and New South Wales – Rural Aid is reinforcing the importance of early registration.
“Farmers are incredibly resilient, but they shouldn’t have to face disasters alone,” Mr Warlters said.
“We strongly encourage every farmer, especially those in high-risk areas, to register now so help can be mobilised immediately when it’s needed.”
Farmers can register for free immediately at faa.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.
Registering now ensures Rural Aid can act fast and deliver critical support as fires, floods and severe weather continue to impact rural Australia.
