Wing Liang is Rural Aid’s Management Accountant. Here is her story from her time in Biggenden at a farm recovery event in September 2023.
No formal office attire or laptops were required for this event. Instead, we were geared up with high-visibility jackets, sturdy work boots, and gloves – all set to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty! Our journey took us 350 kilometers away from the office, where Laura (a fellow Rural Aid staff member) and I joined a group of dedicated Rural Aid volunteers in Biggenden. Our mission: to clear away old, weather-worn wire and repair fencing lines that had been ravaged by recent floods.
One of our most rewarding tasks was fixing the fencing on Betty Johnson’s farm, a remarkable woman in her 80s. Witnessing her incredible stamina and resilience as she managed her cattle and tackled the daily challenges of her farm left me in awe. Betty also expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support that Rural Aid had provided her over the years. Our volunteer efforts went beyond just physically updating fences that had been in place since the 1970s; they were a source of mental upliftment for the farmers, offering them the revitalizing energy and support that our volunteers brought with them.
In addition to our productive work in the field, we had the opportunity to enjoy a memorable evening at a volunteer night dinner where we celebrated a fellow volunteer’s birthday. It was truly inspiring to learn that many of the volunteers did not come from farming backgrounds. Instead, they hailed from diverse professional fields, yet they all shared a burning passion for helping farms recover from disasters. Their trust in Rural Aid was evident, and it reinforced the profound impact that this volunteer trip had on all of us. Through firsthand experience, I saw why our support is so crucial, grasped the tangible difference we can make, and gained insight into how we can enhance our contributions. My pride in my work with Rural Aid has only grown stronger.
To donate to help fund this project and help rural communities, click here: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/donate
Story and Photos by Wing Liang On the Road – Biggenden
