Rural Aid’s Farm Army will roll into Trundle this Sunday for a week to revitalise the rural community and support farmers experiencing hardship on the land.
More than 70 volunteers will set up camp at the Trundle Showgrounds to work on four farms, at schools and various community projects.
Trundle farmer Rhonda Milgate’s family has lived and worked on the farm for 140 years with sheep, cattle and cropping, and is now experiencing the worse drought of her lifetime.
“It touches my heart to know the Farm Army are coming out for a week to help out and it’s unbelievable that people are giving up their time and putting their lives on hold to help us out,” she said.
“Sometimes it gets so overwhelming with so much to do and the Farm Army are helping with fencing, carrying out mechanical repairs to the truck, installing a water tank, painting and doing handy work inside the house.”
The volunteers from throughout Australia are from all walks of life with the common goal to make a difference working to reinvigorate the community lifting people’s spirits and forming lasting connections with country folk.
Rural Aid will also provide school children with musical instruments through its Gift of Music program, boxes of Lego, stationery and an iPad.
Foresythes Recruitment will sponsor the event with 36 employees on the ground lending a helping hand.
Rural Aid will also provide country cards to help farmers purchase food for their families and much-needed goods.
A Rural Aid counsellor will reach out to farmers during the visit and offer mental health support.
The community also received a recent boost with a hay drop, with fodder going to local farmers to feed their livestock.
If you are interested in making a donation to Rural Aid or to get involved with an upcoming project visit: ruralaid.org.au