- New grant to assist Rural Aid with urgent delivery of fodder relief and wellbeing support to those most in need
- Funding reinforces NAB Foundation's commitment to backing regional communities with practical, on-the-ground support
- NAB participated in first meeting of Victorian Drought Response Taskforce to consider additional support package for drought impacted communities
The NAB Foundation today announced a $100,000 grant for Rural Aid – Australia's leading rural charity – to deliver urgent fodder relief and wellbeing support to farmers in drought-affected areas of Victoria and South Australia.
The new funding will help Rural Aid coordinate hay drops to sustain livestock and provide social outreach and referral pathways to counselling services for farming families doing it tough.
NAB Regional and Agribusiness Executive Khan Horne, the bank's representative on the newly established Victorian Drought Response Taskforce, said the support for Rural Aid underscored NAB and NAB Foundation's broader commitment to delivering practical help for those impacted by drought.
"Farmers are the backbone of our regional communities and despite the welcome rain over the weekend, many are facing incredibly difficult conditions due to prolonged dry weather," Mr Horne said.
"NAB provides around one-third of all its lending to Australian farmers and many of our bankers live, and work in the same drought-affected communities as our customers.
"Through this grant to Rural Aid, the NAB Foundation is helping deliver practical support where it's needed most – on the ground and in the paddocks."
Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters knows drought-impacted farmers need all the help they can get.
"The drought is presenting numerous and complex issues, including mental health challenges for farmers and their families, and impacts on local economies," Mr Warlters said.
"NAB Foundation's grant will help us to reach more farmers in need and combat these challenges."
NAB is here to help any customers in need of financial support. Assistance may include payment pauses, restructuring of loan repayments or temporary relief from existing financial commitments. It can also connect customers to vital mental health support services.
"We understand the pressure many farmers and agribusinesses are under right now. If you're doing it tough, please reach out to your bank early – there are ways we can help," Mr Horne said.
