RRT Provides Relief to 200 Drought Hit Farmers in Jamestown, SA
RRT is amazed by the resilience of South Australia’s farming community, with more than 200 farmers coming together for the Farmers Community Connect event in Jamestown. A convoy of 27 trucks driven by RRT volunteers rolled into town late yesterday, loaded with 1,562 bales of hay, donated to give farmers a bit of relief as they endure the worst drought in memory. Farmers Community Connect not only helps farmers through the generous donation of hay but gives farmers an opportunity to connect with other people in their community, going through the same thing, so they don’t feel so isolated.
Each farmer took home an allocation of the premium grade cereal hay, as well as an RRT Food Box, full of pantry staples. Everyone who attended got to enjoy a free barbeque breakfast and lunch, with RRT volunteers making delicious bacon and egg rolls, tasty Signature Burgers, and fresh barista coffee. Several drought relief support services were also present at the event, as well as representatives from Primary Industries South Australia (PIRSA).
RRT thanks the South Australian Government for support this event with a $195,000 grant. The grant was used to subsidise the transportation of the donated fodder. RRT’s contribution is estimated at over $250,000, funding the donation of the hay, the volunteers, and the catering.
“As the RRT convoy travelled across NSW and Victoria into South Australia, the roadside support from the community was incredible – people were waving Aussie flags and holding up signs, cheering us on. But the real heroes here are the farmers – they are being challenged by some of the driest conditions they’ve ever endured, and RRT wanted to remind them we are all behind them ready to offer our support.”
Michael Dunn
RRT AU Operations Manager
This will be RRT’s 33rd Farmers Community Connect event. In November 2024, RRT fully funded the transportation and donation of 250 tonnes of livestock feed to 169 Mid Murray farmers at an event in Mannum. Since 2018, RRT have provided support to over 5,500 farmers impacted by fire, floods and drought.
South Australian Government Grant
The grant funding is made available through the Drought Donated Fodder Transport Assistance Scheme administered by Primary Industries South Australia (PIRSA). The purpose of the grant is to support drought-affected livestock producers by covering the freight costs of donated fodder delivered through approved charitable organisations.
The Rapid Relief Team’s Co-contribution
RRT’s co-contribution is voluntary and not a condition of the grant. The cost of purchasing the hay and running the Farmers Community Connect event comes from RRT’s operational budget, in addition to the donated time of 30 or more volunteers.
“Farmers are exceptionally resilient, and typically well-prepared for drought, but after years of dry conditions, we’ve now reached a point where, despite their best planning, many are facing a real crisis. Farmers Community Connect is a fantastic initiative, thank you RRT for coordinating the truckloads of donated hay. It’s a generous act that will help provide some relief to farmers who are so desperately in need."
Sue Scarman
Northern Areas Mayor
