Farmers in East Gippsland are being urged to register for support with rural charity Rural Aid as bushfire threats rise across Victoria, bringing memories of the devastating 2019/20 fires back to the region.
While no major fires have been reported yet in the region, early property losses have already occurred in parts of the state, and Rural Aid is warning that crops, livestock, fencing, sheds and other essential farm infrastructure could be at risk.
Producers are being encouraged to prepare and ensure they are registered so assistance can be delivered quickly if needed.
Rural aid chief executive officer, John Warlters, said the risk is serious and fast-moving.
“Being registered with Rural Aid ensures we can contact farmers quickly and provide the right support at the right time. Registration only takes a few minutes and gives our team the information needed to respond promptly if a farm is affected,” he said.
The charity offers a broad range of free services to registered farmers, including financial support for urgent expenses, professional counselling and wellbeing services, hay and water deliveries for livestock, and volunteer assistance through its
Farm Army program for on-ground response and recovery.
Rural Aid is also calling on the broader community to back local farmers. Donations help ensure producers can access relief quickly, protect their livelihoods, and maintain Australia’s food and fibre supply — a concern particularly poignant for East Gippsland, which endured significant losses during the 2019/20 bushfire season.
Farmers in the region are encouraged to register online or by calling to ensure support is available should bushfire
conditions worsen.
