There once was a farmer in southern Queensland who was relieved to finally find a buyer for his skinny cows.
The B-Double arrived at his drought-stricken property, the driver glanced at the emaciated stock, shook his head and left with empty trays.
The farmer then shot his cattle, his working dogs and himself. Total carnage.
The overwhelming stress of drought conditions had claimed yet another farmer’s life.
It was this tragic story that prompted Natasha Johnston of Miles to launch in 2014 Drought Angels, a Queensland-based national charity.
“When our small charity took its first steps back in 2014, the grip of drought held our nation tight. Across Australia, farmers fought tirelessly against an unrelenting dry spell,“ she said.
“I couldn’t bear to hear of the fatal toll it took on so many farmers and their families that I was compelled to do something for these hard-working people, who we rely on to feed and clothe our country and who were left feeling like they had no support or way out of the crisis.
“And so, Drought Angels came to be, showering our farmers with care, support and resources as needed.
“As history has shown us, every drought eventually yields, which unfortunately often makes way for floods, which are equally devastating.
“While we have weathered many storms during this time, our mission has grown beyond just aiding through drought conditions.
“We’ve constantly expanded our services to meet the evolving needs of the farming community, ensuring we provide support not just through drought, but through any challenges that arise because of natural disasters.”
As such, Drought Angels has this year rebranded to Farm Angels to better represent the support it provides and signifies its commitment to stand by farmers, no matter the challenge.
“We believe that while conditions are tough – as are our farmers – and just because they can handle a heck of a lot, it doesn’t mean they should have to,” Natasha said.
“While there are many challenging days on the land, Farm Angels help to make the really tough days a little easier.
“We’ve always said ‘we’re led by the heart’, which is in our logo. We always say ‘we put our hearts in everything we do for our farmers’.“
Farm Angels CEO Jason Law said it was ‘business as usual’ for the charity, which has raised more than $24.1 million and supported more than 10,000 primary producers and their families in 1300 rural communities across Australia.
“Farmers face many challenges and crises on a daily basis including drought, flood, fire and plagues, as well as mental health issues,” Mr Law said.
“With growing concerns around climate change, we want our farmers to know that they are not alone and we are always here to help.
“We always need our farmers and we recognise that sometimes they need us too.
“With the tough conditions they face year-round, it’s important that we have the support and resources to offer a hand and we can’t do that without the financial donations and volunteers who back our charity.”
* For more information or to make a donation visit www.farmangels.org.au
