Rural Aid

The challenges facing Australian farmers aren't always the same.

While many farming families across New South Wales are managing drought and the uncertainty of El Niño, grain growers in Western Australia are facing a very different challenge.

A severe mouse plague has spread across parts of WA's grain-growing regions, damaging newly sown crops, contaminating grain stores and increasing costs for farming businesses already working hard to produce the food and fibre Australia relies on.

It's a reminder that there is no single story of Australian agriculture.

Across the country, farmers are navigating different challenges depending on where they live and what they produce. Whether it's drought, flooding, biosecurity threats, pests or changing seasonal conditions, each challenge brings its own pressures for farming families and rural communities.

At Rural Aid, we know every season brings new obstacles. That's why we're committed to standing alongside farmers through changing conditions, providing practical support, strengthening community connections and helping farming families navigate whatever comes next.

Together, we can continue supporting the people who grow the food and fibre that keeps Australia moving. 💚

Photo credits: Tim Bateup and Dan Brown

The heart of the bush isn’t staged - it’s lived.

It’s in the quiet moments between work…

The bond between people and animals…

The hands that keep everything moving, day in and day out.

These are the moments that define life on the land - real, unfiltered and deeply connected.

And they’re exactly what Spirit of the Bush is all about.

📸 Entries are now open. Show us what the heart of the bush looks like through your lens.
🔗 Enter now: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush/

Photo credit: Entries over the years of the Spirit of The Bush photography competition

Eight days.
Through rain.
Through mud.
Through aching muscles.
Through exhaustion.
Through every challenge the road could throw at her.
Sam Longmore has crossed the finish line of The Big Wheel.

This journey was never just about the epic amount of kilometres, it was about stopping in towns, meeting people, listening to stories and encouraging conversations about something that touches so many rural communities: mental health.

Every wheel turn was a reminder that checking in, reaching out and supporting one another can make a real difference.

Samantha-jane Longmore , thank you for your courage, your determination and your unwavering commitment to rural Australia. Thank you for showing us that even when the road is long, the weather turns against you and every muscle tells you to stop, you can keep moving forward with purpose.

Your journey has inspired communities, brought people together and helped shine a light on the importance of looking after our mental wellbeing.

From everyone at Rural Aid, congratulations on an extraordinary achievement and thank you for choosing to make every kilometre count.
We're incredibly proud to have been part of your journey. 💚

SHE’S DONE IT! 🤩🙌 After eight unforgettable days on the road, Samantha Longmore has crossed the finish line having raised over $150,000 for rural mental health & captured hearts across the country 🥳

Hundreds of people gathered at Yass Racecourse this afternoon to welcome her home, bringing an emotional end to one of the most extraordinary fundraising journeys our region has witnessed 💛

There were plenty of tears, laughter & hugs… and after everything she’d put her body through over the past week, there was finally time to celebrate!

From Corowa to Yass, Sam has inspired communities, sparked countless conversations about rural mental health and shown what resilience truly looks like.

What a moment! 💛

📸🎥 Our full wrap, photos and emotional finish-line video will be published later this evening. Stay tuned!

The Junee Bulletin | Rural Aid Riverina Bluebell Ohhbulldust

💚 Community starts with a conversation.

From speaking with local farmers, the CWA and Rotary, to meeting with council leaders and inspiring the next generation at their local high school, this incredible husband-and-wife volunteer team is helping strengthen connections across the Upper Lachlan region.

By sharing what Rural Aid does and how farmers can access support, they're helping ensure more people know where to turn when they need it most.

It's a wonderful reminder that every conversation helps build stronger, more connected rural communities.

Thank you Sandra N Peter Kearns for proudly standing alongside Rural Aid and making a difference in your community. 💚