Rural Aid has now delivered its 100 millionth litre of domestic water, marking a major milestone in its support for farming families across Australia. The milestone represents more than water deliveries. It represents essential support for thousands of farming families who have relied on Rural Aid for access to a basic necessity during some of the most challenging conditions.
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Rural Aid’s domestic water assistance provides water for household use, including drinking, washing, cleaning and other everyday needs. During drought, when water supplies become limited, access to household water can become one of the most urgent challenges facing farming families.
The service began in 2018 after Orange, NSW resident Jane Doherty saw the impact drought was having on farmers in her community. In September that year, Ms Doherty contacted a local water carter and they began personally funding water deliveries to local drought-affected farming families before approaching Rural Aid to help expand the initiative. This local act of support has since grown into a national effort, with Rural Aid delivering domestic water to farming families across Australia
Ms Doherty said she never imagined those first deliveries would grow into a service that has delivered 100 million litres of water to farming families across Australia.
“I remember seeing what farmers were going through and thinking, ‘How can we help?’ Water seemed like such a simple thing, but when you don’t have enough of it, it affects every part of your life. Water is the only thing you can’t live without,” she said.
“It’s not just water in a tank. It’s a shower at the end of a long day, brushing your teeth, being able to wash clothes, having enough water for your family and knowing you can get through another week.”
“I’m incredibly grateful to every person who has made a financial donation, every water carter who has helped deliver the water, and Rural Aid for making it possible to provide this vital support to farming families at no cost when they need it most.”
“Farmers spend their lives looking after this country and feeding our communities. When they’re facing tough times, it’s important they know they’re not forgotten.”
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the 100 million litre milestone demonstrated the generosity of Australians and the importance of providing practical support to farming families during times of disaster.
“One hundred million litres is an extraordinary milestone, but behind that number are thousands of farming families who were previously unable to access something every household needs: reliable water,” Mr Warlters said.
“A water delivery is not just about filling a tank. It means a family can drink, shower, wash clothes and continue living on the land with one less pressure to carry.”
The impact of domestic water support was recently highlighted through a delivery to sheep farmer Peter Rogers at Ashford, NSW. Mr Rogers said the delivery was a reminder that farming families are not facing drought alone.
“It just shows that people care. There are still people out there who care, and when Rural Aid puts in the effort to help farmers, it means a lot. It reminds us that we’re not doing it on our own,” Mr Rogers said.
“There are six people in the house, and the water goes towards all those everyday things: drinking, showers, washing and everything else. It keeps us going a bit longer and takes some pressure off.”
“If Rural Aid hadn’t turned up with the water, we would have had to buy it. That’s another cost you don’t budget for, but it’s something you absolutely need.”
Rural Aid continues to provide vital support to farming families experiencing hardship through domestic water deliveries and other drought assistance services, including financial support, hay and mental health wellbeing. Farmers needing support, or Australians wanting to help, can visit www.ruralaid.org.au or call 1300 327 624.
About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Rural Aid delivers practical assistance during drought, fire, flood and other disasters, helping farming families stay on the land and protect their livelihoods. Through disaster relief, mental health support and community development programs, Rural Aid works with partners, supporters and volunteers to strengthen rural communities and ensure farmers have the support they need to recover, rebuild and remain connected.
Water carter Ron Cameron and Ashford farmer Peter Rogers.
