Queensland-based national charity organisation Drought Angels has rebranded itself to better reflect the evolution of its advocacy in helping farmers.
Now known as Farm Angels, the rebrand is designed to reflect the broad range of services and support it is providing to farming families, no matter what challenges they face.
The organisation was founded a decade ago by Natasha Johnston, the 2021 Queenslander of the Year, in response to the effect of the drought on the lives of many farmers.
“When our small charity took its first steps back in 2014, the grip of drought held our nation tight. Across Australia, farmers fought tirelessly against an unrelenting dry spell,” Johnston said. “I couldn’t bear to hear of the fatal toll it took on so many farmers and their families that I was compelled to do something for these hard-working people, who we rely on to feed and clothe our country, and who were left feeling like they had no support or way out of crisis.
“As history has shown us, every drought eventually yields, which unfortunately often makes way for floods which are equally devastating,” Johston added. “While we have weathered many storms during this time, our mission has grown beyond just aiding through drought conditions. We’ve constantly expanded our services to meet the evolving needs of the farming community, ensuring we provide support not just through drought, but through any hardship they face.”
Johnston explained that the rebrand to Farm Angels better represents the extensive range of support the organisation is providing and it signifies its commitment to stand by the farmers, no matter the challenge.
“We believe that while conditions are tough, and so are our farmers, and just because they can handle a hell of a lot, it doesn’t mean they should have to,” Johnson averred. “While there’s never an easy day on the land, Farm Angels helps to make the really tough days a little easier.”
Farm Angels CEO Jason Law said it was ‘business as usual’ for the charity which has raised over $24.1 million and supported over 10,000 primary producers and their families across 1,300 rural communities across Australia.
“Farmers face many challenges and crises on a daily basis including drought, flood, fire and plagues as well as mental health issues,” Law said. “According to a 2021 study, one farmer commits suicide every 10 days – that’s 59 percent higher than the rate among non-farmers, which is very concerning and something we will continue to address.”
“With growing concerns around climate change, we want our farmers to know that they are not alone and we are always here to help,” he added. “We always need our farmers, and we recognise that sometimes they need us, too. With the tough conditions they face year-round, it’s important that we have the support and resources to offer a hand, and we can’t do that without the financial donations and volunteers who back our charity.”
