Rural Aid Marks Major Recovery Milestone With 200 Farms & Counting

A major milestone has been reached by Rural Aid this month, with the organisation proudly supporting its 200th farm through its nationally recognised Farm Recovery Events (FRE) program.

The milestone was marked in Coraki, in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, where volunteers are currently participating in the latest recovery event, running through until the 2nd of August.

Since the FRE program began in 2018, Rural Aid has delivered hands-on support to more than 200 farms across the country, alongside completing 293 wider community and recovery projects. Their efforts have stretched across 45 towns and regions, from drought-stricken Queensland to fire-affected areas of Victoria.

Communities across Queensland (16), New South Wales (19), Victoria (9) and South Australia (2) have benefited from the support of Rural Aid’s volunteers, who have collectively contributed more than 56,000 hours of skilled labour over the past seven years.

This year alone, volunteers have travelled more than 86,000 kilometres to support the charity’s on-the-ground work.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the milestone reflects a long-standing commitment to rural recovery and wellbeing.

“Our Farm Recovery Events are about more than fixing fences or building cattle yards,” Mr Warlters said.

“They restore hope. Every kilometre travelled, every hour volunteered, is a reminder to our farmers that they are not alone.”

“Reaching our 200th farm is a significant achievement. It speaks to the strength of the rural spirit and the generosity of everyday Australians who put up their hands to help.”

Beyond property repairs, the FRE program also supports mental wellbeing through simple, meaningful acts of connection.

“Time and again, farmers tell us that just having someone show up to help, even just to share a cuppa and talk, makes all the difference,” Mr Warlters said.

“It reduces isolation, lifts spirits and strengthens resilience.”

Rural Aid’s recovery efforts have extended into the heart of many communities, with over 100 projects completed in shared spaces such as halls, schools, showgrounds and sporting facilities.

The program also presents a valuable opportunity for corporate teams to experience rural life and contribute directly to community wellbeing. Through team-building activities on farms, businesses have helped strengthen both people and places.

Long-time Rural Aid volunteer Raelee Keegan said the experience is just as impactful for those giving their time.

“We go in to help, but we get so much back,” she said.

“You feel the gratitude and the connection straight away. I’ve volunteered in towns I’d never even heard of before, and now they feel like part of my extended family.”

Rural Aid’s Farm Recovery Events are made possible thanks to community donations, corporate partners, and a dedicated base of volunteers.

“While we’re proud of how far we’ve come, there’s so much more to do,” Mr Warlters said.

“We’ll keep showing up, because rural Australia matters.”

To learn more or to support Rural Aid’s recovery work, visit www.ruralaid.org.au.

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