Sheep and cattle farmer, Del Mitchell, on her Dalveen property, April 2024.
“I’ve never experienced a fire coming for my house before.”
Dalveen sheep and cattle farmer Del Mitchell describes the fear of seeing a raging bushfire bear down on her property as it tore through the Dalveen region in October 2023.
“When it started coming with a massive wall of flame, we were pretty worried,” she said.
Hearing gas cylinders exploding and her cattle bellowing, Del took drastic and terrifying action.
“I tore down on my bike and opened every gate so they could get out. They all escaped,” she said.
While her cattle were saved, parts of her property sadly were not. The fire destroyed critical infrastructure, leaving her remaining sheep exposed to predators in the aftermath. Her flock suffered severe injuries in multiple dingo attacks.
When a team of 32 Rural Aid volunteers and counsellors arrived in the region for Rural Aid’s Farm Recovery Week in April 2024, seven farmers were able to receive some much needed physical and emotional support to help them on their recovery journey.
Del’s damaged floodgate and cattle yard fencing were repaired in a matter of days, significantly faster than if she was to manage the work alone. This allowed Del to bring animals safely back onto the property.
“Rural Aid have given me a lot of help, I wouldn’t be able to put sheep here until that floodgate is fixed, and now I can. They’ve been a really big help to me,” said Del.
Rural Aid CEO, John Warlters, emphasised that recovery takes time, and that the emotional support the organisation gives is just as vital as the physical aspects of rebuilding.
“From feeling a bit down and challenged and worrying about how it is they are going to continue doing what they’re doing, and in a matter of days being able to give them that uplift of spirits and confidence—it’s a hand up, not a handout, and we know it means so much,” said John.
John also acknowledged the value of every donation, big and small, that keeps the vital financial, volunteer, resource, and counselling assistance programs of Rural Aid operational.
“None of it is possible without the generosity of the community. Every single dollar is precious, to the donor and to Rural Aid. We are so grateful because it allows us to do the work that we do, to come and support these families,” said John.
With many Aussie farmers fighting to recover following years of consecutive disaster events, there is still so much work to be done. Every dollar makes a difference, so please stand with us to support our mates in the bush.
