General News
22 November, 2023
Rural Aid says help is needed
Rural Aid is appealing for donations to help farming households in a tough lead-up to Christmas this year. The national charity's chief executive officer, John Warlters, said the Bureau of Meteorology's declaration of the past three months as the...
Rural Aid is appealing for donations to help farming households in a tough lead-up to Christmas this year.
The national charity's chief executive officer, John Warlters, said the Bureau of Meteorology's declaration of the past three months as the driest in many areas since record-keeping began in 1900 had coincided with a rapid escalation in calls forassistance- especially hay for livestock, emergency drinking water and mental health and wellbeing support.
"Farmers have registered requests totalling more than a $1 million for fodder," Mr Warlters said.
Mr Warlterssaidit was atough outlookfor farmers.
“Right now,what we’re seeing is below-average rainfall, above-average temperatures and so much of the countryside tinder-dry.
“It’s very,veryearly to see thislevel offire activity and it gives us great concern about whatthis summer is going to look like.”
Mr Warlters saidRural Aid wasmonitoringimpending weather conditionsclosely as the reality of the season started toemerge.
“We’re really concerned at Rural Aid that we're almost at a tipping point right now," he said.
“Collectively, it meanswe’reall on edge, and we know that really putsso much more stressand worryon our farmers at this time.
“The number of calls to our counsellors has effectively doubled from this time last year.
“As we come into Christmas it’s a time when we can all contribute to an organisationlike Rural Aid so that we can help farming families and get them through these challenging times."
Donations can bemade atbuyabale2023.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.