CHARITY organisation Rural Aid has launched its 2025 Mates Day campaign to raise $500,000 to provide financial aid, hay, clean drinking water, practical on-farm volunteer assistance, and mental health services for Australian farmers in disaster-affected farming communities.

This year’s annual campaign runs from Monday, 17 February to Wednesday 19 March.

Rural Aid is asking Australians to lend a hand to farmers affected by fires, floods, droughts, and plagues to help them to rebuild their livelihoods and get back on their feet.

“Australia’s farmers go through so much to put food on our tables, often battling extreme weather conditions to produce the best produce in the world. Their resilience is truly remarkable. Every plate of food tells a story—one shaped by perseverance, hope, and hard work,” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters.

Rural Aid farm recovery events involve up to 30 volunteers spending a week in a disaster affected community to provide hands-on assistance for farms in the area. They go beyond rebuilding farms—they rebuild communities. They unite people from all walks of life in a powerful show of solidarity. They remind our farmers, who work tirelessly to feed and clothe the nation, that they are deeply valued and cared for.

The recovery events offer practical, on-the-ground support helping farmers complete up to five years of work, in just a few days.  Your contribution can make a vital difference by providing farmers with the resources they need to rebuild their futures.

“The resilience of our farmers is extraordinary. Rural Aid is here to ensure they don’t have to face these challenges alone,” said Mr Warlters. “We are incredibly grateful to all those who give, no matter how big or small. Your support ensures farmers can rebuild and recover when natural disasters strike.”

Source: Rural Aid. For more information click here