Farm Army volunteers help out drought-stricken towns

Whether it’s offering DIY skills to make home repairs or helping to feed livestock, Rural Aid’s Farm Army of volunteers are giving farmers a chance to take a break from their gruelling battle against drought.

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FORGET “Glamping”. RV owners are starting a new trend — travelling around rural NSW to help country towns crippled by drought.

And it’s growing in popularity — from retired tradies to young campers — all with a desire to connect with families doing it tough.

Whether it’s offering their DIY skills to make much needed home repairs, installing new fencing or feeding livestock, Rural Aid’s “Farm Army” of volunteers offer their help to allow farmers to take a break from their gruelling battle against drought.

Rural Aid Forbes farm rescue

Kim Lowe was among those who helped farmers in Forbes last year. And she did it while taking care of her ill husband at home.

“It was a struggle, but also a good distraction to help feed farmers and their families,” she said.

“It gave me something else to focus on and I’ll do it again in a heartbeat.”

Volunteers tackle some repairs at a children’s play area.

A Farm Army volunteer assisting with painting work.

Forbes Shire Council mayor Phyllis Miller recalls a local farmer telling her it wasn’t just a “farm rescue”, it was a “life rescue”.

Rural Aid is now launching a campaign aimed at providing 10 country towns fighting the drought with a makeover, at a cost of around $100,000 over five years.

Rural Aid will be at the Sydney Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo on September 20-22.

Originally published as Farm Army volunteers help out drought-stricken towns