Rapid Relief Team Returns to Help Fire Affected Farmers in Northern Victoria

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, 17th April 2026

The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) has donated 14 kilometres of fencing wire to farmers who were affected by the Longwood bushfire as they continue to rebuild and recover from January’s devastation.

Six weeks after RRT held a Farmers Community Connect event for the township of Ruffy, the charity held a ‘mini-FCC’ to help those who missed out the first time.

RRT General Manager Mick Dunn said 15 landholders were invited to enjoy breakfast at the mini-FCC at Euroa Showground.

“RRT was on the ground in January, serving up food to the firefighters while they battled the Longwood fire, and we witnessed this region’s resilience in the face of terrible destruction,” said Mick.

“We held a Farmers Community Connect event in the township of Ruffy in February, to donate 215 kilometres of fencing to more than 230 farmers.

“The response to that event was huge and it was important to us that everyone who needed help received it, so we’ve come back to donate another 14 kilometres of fencing wire to 15 landholders.

“We want to contribute to the rebuilding efforts but also remind the farming community that they aren’t in this alone, we care about them, and we are in awe of their fighting spirit.”

RRT served breakfast burgers and barista-made coffee to the landholders as well as 40 BlazeAid volunteers who have been generously providing free labour to farmers during recovery efforts.

As the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, RRT supports frontline workers and emergency services by providing food, donations and other resources, as well as hosting events for the community. These efforts reflect the Plymouth Brethren faith, which encourages members to support their communities through care, service and practical assistance.

Established in 2013 to assist emergency services in times of disaster and crisis by providing meals and other support, it’s expanded to more than 16,500 volunteers and provides support to the community through charitable donations and events.

For more information on RRT, please go to www.rrtglobal.org/.