Murwillumbah Farmers: One Year After the Floods

One year after four of our team responded to the urgent needs of farmers during the devastating Murwillumbah floods, we’ve reconnected with farmers and the farming community to hear their news and remind them that, even though the floodwaters subsided long ago, they’re not alone.

Almost 100 farmers and supporting organisations from Murwillumbah came along to our community BBQ on 14 March 2023, which was the first time many had stopped and reflected on how the unprecedented floods impacted their lives over the last 12-months.

Every Murwillumbah farmer we spoke with is still recovering from the floods and the biggest challenge they’ve faced is the physical recovery and amount of work required to restore their farms.

It’s had a huge impact and taken a massive toll on many farmers—and their families. Almost 70% of farmers said the floods had had a moderate or significant impact on their mental and emotional health over the last 12-months.

Despite the extreme challenges they’ve faced, it was heartening to hear that Murwillumbah farmers reported feeling supported, which is a reflection on their families and the broader community. Almost two-thirds of farmers we spoke with said the most pleasant surprise during the last 12-months in their flood recovery was the help they received from unexpected places—including Aussie Helpers.

In early 2022, Aussie Helpers visited 48 farmers in the region over five days and provided essential financial support, practical necessities like food and hygiene hampers, animal food and hay, and critical emotional wellbeing support. We paid $380,000 in supplier invoices for farmers from our $5K Aussie Helpers Fund, delivered $15,000 worth of hay, which continues today, and $33,000 in fuel vouchers, visa cards, and hampers and pet food.

We want to again thank all of the BBQ’s local sponsors, who were so generous and supportive in helping us bring the BBQ to life for the community. As a not-for-profit, we are entirely funded through donations and sponsorships and rely on our generous network of volunteers and our small but mighty team to support 1,000s of farmers every year.

We continue to be committed to supporting farmers in Murwillumbah—and across Australia—recover from the devastating impact of natural disasters and survive the tough times so they can thrive in the good times.

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If your business or organisation is interested in sponsoring or partnering an Aussie Helpers initiative to help Aussie farmers, farming families and communities, please register your interest below.

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Helping Aussie farming families this Christmas

Like millions of Aussies right now, many farmers are struggling. And, as hotter and drier conditions return, we’re anticipating more farmers will need our help than ever before.

It’s a tragic irony that farmers work from sun-up to sunset to feed our families—and yet many will struggle to afford a Christmas lunch and gifts for their loved ones.

There are many ways to helps us to help Aussie farming families in need this Christmas, including donating funds, donating goods, volunteering, fundraising and partnering.

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Wherever possible, please deliver goods to one of our volunteer collection points (see here).
If you’d like to become a collection point for donated goods, please email us today.
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We’re here to help you and your families

Times are really tough for farming families across Australia.

Please know that you’re not alone.

With the help of our donors, partners and volunteers, we’re doing everything we can to support you through this tough time and bring a smile to your family this Christmas.

If you’re a farmer and would like to register for support this Christmas, please complete the form below.

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Help an Aussie farming family this Christmas

Aussie farmers saw the signs that dire economic and environmental conditions were about to hit them and they’ve been working tirelessly all year to prepare, survive and provide.