Rural Aid's final Farm Recovery Event for year in Peak Hill

Rural Aid will host its final Farm Recovery Event for 2025 in Peak Hill, with a team of volunteers set to deliver practical support and community care to the Central West farming town. Thirty five Rural Aid volunteers will work across seven local farms between 26 October and 1 November, helping with essential jobs such as fencing repairs, property maintenance, vegetation clearing and small-scale construction projects. Rural Aid will also carry out improvement works at several local community spaces, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to whole-of-community recovery and resilience. Located between Parkes and Dubbo, Peak Hill is a small town with a proud agricultural past - once known for gold and home to Australia’s first public wheat silo. But like many rural communities, Peak Hill has faced its share of hardship. When the 2022 floods swept through, they left a trail of destruction: fences flattened, sheds destroyed, and paddocks rendered unworkable. Nearly three years on, many farmers are still quietly rebuilding. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the Peak Hill event was an opportunity to provide meaningful, hands-on support to farmers and residents who have been quietly working through long recovery processes. “The people of Peak Hill have shown incredible resilience,” Mr Warlters said. “But there are still important jobs left to do, and we know that a helping hand can go a long way, not just in completing physical work, but in lifting spirits and renewing connections.” Rural Aid has maintained a strong relationship with Peak Hill producers since 2022, delivering financial assistance, hay and mental health support in the aftermath of the floods. In a recent conversation, a local farmer shared that while progress has been made, many in the community are still facing tough conditions and that a coordinated volunteer effort could make a meaningful difference. That insight prompted Rural Aid to mobilise its final Farm Recovery Event for 2025. “When that call came through, it reminded us how valuable these events can be,” Mr Warlters said. “This is not just about fixing fences - it’s about supporting people, families and communities who are proud, capable and deeply committed to the land.” The week-long event will focus on strengthening social connection and improving shared spaces, which are central to community life in rural towns. “These events are about more than the physical work,” Mr Warlters said. “They’re a reminder that no matter how remote a community might feel, they’re not doing it alone.” The Peak Hill Farm Recovery Event marks the final Rural Aid recovery event for 2025 and is part of the charity’s broader mission to support rural resilience across Australia. Rural Aid’s Mental Health and Wellbeing team will continue to work with the Peak Hill community beyond the event, providing a safe and supportive space for producers to seek help and share their stories.

Rural Aid's final Farm Recovery Event for year in Peak Hill

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