General News
14 June, 2025
BlazeAid starts farmer relief drive
BlazeAid has launched a new initiative, ‘Give a Farmer a Break’, aimed at easing the pressure on drought-stricken farmers across Australia by linking them with volunteers, donors and supporters.
The program matches farmers needing a break with volunteers willing to help out on the farm, whether that’s feeding dogs, checking water, fixing fences, or house-sitting.
BlazeAid founder Kevin Butler said the program would provide willing volunteers to assist farmers across the country.
“It’s a program through volunteers who’ve got time on their hands and got a passion and desire to help out our farmers who are going through extraordinary circumstances with the savage drought,” he said.
He explained that many farmers can’t afford to be away from their properties, but it is possible with the proper support.
“Once the farmer and his wife know someone can help with the basics, there’s an opportunity to get away, maybe down to the beach or somewhere else and get away for a few days,” he said.
“There are many farmers who can’t take a break, and by doing this, it’s a real win-win. It’s great for volunteers and great for farmers.
“It’s not a free holiday for them, but I think 90 per cent of our farmers are going through a lot of stress at the moment.”
The platform also allows people to offer accommodation, equipment, feed or financial donations.
“This helps individual farmers where we haven’t got BlazeAid bases,” Mr Butler said.
The initiative will also expand BlazeAid’s impact far beyond its usual fencing recovery camps.
A BlazeAid’s GoFundMe campaign is also underway to help cover the high cost of transporting hay to drought-affected areas.
The goal behind that fundraiser is to raise funds for transport while farmers pay only for the hay’s value.
“The awful situation at the moment is that the hay has run out in Victoria, New South Wales and south east Queensland,” Mr Butler said.
“We’ve gotta go as far as Bundaberg to get a road train down to Victoria.”
Mr Butler encouraged everyone, not just those with farming backgrounds, to get involved.
“If you can feed the dog, can make a cup of tea, or can sweep the floor of a shearing shed, come forward,” he said.
The initiative is designed as an ongoing support mechanism for farmers while recognising that the impacts of drought will last for many months.
“We’re trying to prevent family breakdown, stress, hardship, depression, anxiety and even suicide,” Mr Butler said.
Interested people can register through their website at www.giveafarmerabreak.com.
Farmers needing help can email admin@blazeaid.com.au or contact Debbie at 0418 990 267.