Farmers urged to reach out

Australia’s most trusted rural charity is encouraging farmers to reach out for assistance this Farm Safety Week.
“This year’s Farm Safety Week theme is ‘in safe hands’,” Rural Aid chief executive officer John Warlters said.
“Rural Aid’s mission is to stand with farmers when they need it most.
“We’re encouraging farmers to register with Rural Aid, so that our organisation and its passionate donors, can support farmers’ wellbeing and safety with a hand-up.”
Rural Aid’s range of assistance measures help farmers improve their lives and businesses before, during and after disaster events – be it drought, bushfire or flood.
“Rural Aid’s mental health and wellbeing team do a fantastic job of heading on-farm to chat with primary producers, at no cost to the farmer,” Mr Warlters said.
“Our financial, water and fodder assistance provides urgent relief for farmers in need.
“And our Farm Recovery Events supply farmers with a team of volunteers, ready to tackle farming jobs post-disaster,” Mr Warlters said.
Rural Aid’s mental health and wellbeing manager, Myf Pitcher, said it takes strength to reach out for help.
“We want farmers to treat themselves as their most precious business asset and be open to receiving help with their busy work-load,” Ms Pitcher said.
“One conversation at the right time with the right person can change everything.”
“More than 18,000 primary producers are “in safe hands”, already registered with Rural Aid.
“Registering with Rural Aid means we can support farmers when they need it, now or in the future, and it helps us support rural communities as well.”
“Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to see how we can help.”