Western Downs charity Drought Angels prepares for Flanno for a Farmer Day

A Western Downs-based organisation is encouraging residents to dig their flannos out of their cupboard later this month to show support for the country’s farmers faced with mental health challenges. Everything you need to know.

Giaan Rooney is a supporter of the 2023 Flanno for a Farmer Campaign.

Residents of the Western Downs are being asked to throw on their best flanno in support of the country’s farmers as it will raise much needed funds to assist producers in staying afloat in tough drought-stricken times.

The campaign is being led by Western Downs-born charity Drought Angels.

Drought Angels was started in 2014 by the Chinchilla-born co-founder Natasha Johnson who was a beacon of hope during one of the worst droughts in Australian history assisting 4500 farmers across 1166 towns in Australia.

On August 25 residents as well as ambassadors for the organisation such as Olympic medallist Giann Rooney, singer Jayne Denham, former NRL champ Kirk Reynoldson and more will don the flanno in support of farmers.

“It’s a call out to let Aussie farmers know we have their back,” founder Ms Johnson said.

“Sadly, one primary producer commits suicide every 10 days and it’s just not acceptable.

“By raising a few dollars and donning your finest flanno you will be supporting farmers impacted by natural disasters including drought, floods, fires, plagues, Covid, mental wellbeing concerns, and the rising costs of primary production.”

In 2018 Gayndah State School in Pittsworth took part in raising money for Drought Angels by dressing up in flannos, after teacher’s educated the students on the dire impact of drought with teacher Leah Trott sharing the kids enjoyed dressing as farmers for a day.

“Some of our students knew first hand what it was like living on the land and vulnerable to whatever the elements dealt to them,” she said.

The school ended up raising just over $400 which was donated to Drought Angels.

Residents or groups eager on participating in this year’s Flanno for a Farmer Day can sign up via the Drought Angels website.

Originally published as Western Downs charity Drought Angels prepares for Flanno for a Farmer Day