Last week, Rural Aid’s newest team members went out to meet farmers at their first Farm Recovery Event. Mel, Rural Aid’s Corporate Partnerships Manager, shares her experience đ
Last week, I attended my first Farm Recovery Event in Tenterfield, NSW. This area has been through a lotâfive years of drought and some brutal fires, including the ones that tore through nearly 24,000 hectares late last year. We visited 6 farms who were still recovering from these disasters.
While our team of volunteers mended fences, restored gates, and lent a hand wherever needed, the impact of our work went far beyond these tasks. It was the conversations, the sense of community, and the relief that made the biggest difference. Farmers told us time and again, âWe just couldnât have done this without Rural Aidâs support.â Their gratitude was humbling and reminded me how vital our work is at Rural Aid.
One story that sticks with me is that of Gary and Nancy, who faced a frustrating challenge: the narrow entrance to their farm made it impossible to receive cattle deliveries directly. Instead, they endured 4-5 trips to transport their newly purchased cattle, costing them precious time and money, and adding stress to their livestock.
In just three days, our volunteers changed everything. By replacing the damaged gate entry and widening the farmâs entrance, Gary and Nancy can now receive cattle deliveries straight to their doorstep. This seemingly simple change has transformed their livelihood, saving them hours of work and reducing stress for both them and their cattle.
This work would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers and the generous donations to Rural Aid. Our efforts in Tenterfield are more than just physical recovery â theyâre about bringing hope, easing burdens, and helping our farming families rebuild with renewed strength.
Our farmers need us as much as we need them!
