Both Rural Aid and Vinnies have launched flood appeals in the wake of the current weather events
Rural Aid, is appealing for donations to help farmers impacted by the flooding emergency across the country.
Parts of New South Wales and locations in Southern Queensland and Victoria have been hit hard by heavy rainfall and flooded rivers.
Homes and livelihoods gone underwater
Some farmers have watched their homes and livelihoods go underwater before their eyes. Livestock has perished, paddocks have been flooded and hay storages ruined.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said it’s hard to watch Australian farmers face another setback. ‘Our farmers have had everything thrown at them in recent times; drought, fire, a pandemic, plagues (mice and locusts) and now floods.
‘It’s certainly been one of the toughest times to be living on the land in recent memory, and our hearts go out to all farming families now facing another crisis. Rural Aid will continue to be there for farmers in their time of need.’
Rural Aid staff are working hard to determine where emergency assistance will be needed, once communities are safe and are able to start the recovery process. Rural Aid is mindful that the disaster is still unfolding and that the priority is ensuring people are safe and allowing emergency services to carry out their work.
The charity can provide affected farmers with financial assistance and mental wellbeing support, through its qualified counsellors.
Farmers are suffering loss and suffering pain
Rural Aid counsellor Gary Bentley said farmers are suffering loss and they’re also suffering pain. ‘We’d like to remind people that Rural Aid is there for the farming community.’
Mr Warlters said the unfolding flood disaster would prompt an outpouring of support from Australians wanting to help. ‘A donation to Rural Aid will help us to help a farming family recover. Rural Aid couldn’t offer the suite of assistance that it does, without the generous support of everyday Australians.
‘If you can, please give generously to help farmers get back to normal as quickly as possible.’
Farmers needing assistance are being urged to contact Rural Aid on 1300 327 624, or through the Rural Aid website.
St Vincent de Paul launches flood appeal
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW this morning launched a flood appeal to help those affected by the heavy rains and flooding across the state and is asking Australians to give generously.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, Jack de Groot, said people have already lost their homes and further evacuations are expected before this weather event passes.
‘Vinnies has been helping Australians in crisis for nearly 140 years, and to supply evacuees with food, clothing, household goods, and longer term recovery, we need your help.
Mr de Groot says all donations will go towards assisting people and communities directly impacted by the floods.
People and businesses significantly impacted
The Mid-North Coast has been hard hit by the floods. Many people and businesses have been significantly impacted.
Large numbers of evacuations are happening, and many have lost property as well as large numbers of stock.
Regional President of the Manning, Deacon Vince Ryan, said Vinnies has a network of members living in communities across the state who are ready to provide people with practical assistance and emotional support. ‘Vinnies needs your help to provide everyday necessities to people who’ve been displaced by the floods.’
Donations to Vinnies can be made by calling 13 18 12, at www.vinnies.org.au/NSWFloodAppeal or at any Vinnies Shop.
To make a donation to Rural Aid, head to https://www.ruralaid.org.au/floods.
Farmers needing assistance are being urged to contact Rural Aid on 1300 327 624, or through the Rural Aid website.
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