What's happening?
- Rural Aid has today announced a $100,000 donation from CommBank to support communities impacted by severe weather events across Australia.
- The donation will fund the delivery of critical resources including water tanks, hay bales and fodder to farmers in need, with support already underway in flood impacted Queensland towns of Windorah, Thargomindah, Jundah and Quilpie.
- The donation will also support deliveries to drought impacted communities in Victoria and South Australia and flood impacted areas in New South Wales.
What's it like on the ground in flood-affected farming communities?
Windorah in remote south-west Queensland sits approximately 160km north-east of the South Australian border in the heart of Channel Country, so named for the numerous intertwined rivulets that cross the region. According to the last census report, the town has a population of just 104 people and James "Dude" Kidd and his wife Helen make up two of them.
As a fourth-generation cattleman James describes Windorah as a "little town in the middle of nowhere."
With giant red sandhills stretching to the horizon, Windorah can provide the most picturesque of vistas, attracting an increasing number of tourists over recent years. But tourism cannot sustain the remote town which remains reliant on its sheep and cattle industry to survive.
The severity of weather events in recent years has made survival difficult, as farming families like the Kidds face continued challenges with raising their cattle across 120,000 acres and maintaining their way of life on Ourdel Station which has been in the family since 1906.
The livestock industry in outback Queensland has faced significant challenges with devastating flooding in March seeing an estimated 13 million hectares of country underwater, eroding 20 to 40 centimetres of topsoil from significant areas of Channel Country.
With floodwaters receding, there is still a long road to recovery ahead for livestock producers as they restock lost livestock and repair damaged property.
What the Rural Aid donation means to farmers
"Living through the floods has been incredibly tough, but what's really lifted our spirits is knowing organisations like the Commonwealth Bank and Rural Aid are standing beside us. It is more than just the practical help - it's the message that someone out their cares about the people on the land, even when we feel isolated. That support means the world to families like ours, and it has given us renewed hope to face the long road ahead," Mrs Kidd said.
This week, the Kidds will receive a 22,000-litre water tank, courtesy of a partnership between CommBank and Rural Aid.
"This water tank donation is a real symbol of that support. It reminds us that we are not alone in this - that there are people willing to step in and help us rebuild. It is reassuring to know that organisations like these are investing in the future of farming communities, and we're truly grateful for their generosity and commitment."
What Rural Aid plans to do
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters welcomed the partnership with CommBank saying: "We're deeply grateful to Commonwealth Bank for their contribution to Rural Aid. This funding will help us deliver critical support to farming families across Australia, from those recovering from floods in Western Queensland to those managing the ongoing impacts of drought in South Australia and Victoria. Whether it's supplying emergency hay, delivering water tanks, or providing mental wellbeing support, this donation enables us to reach more rural communities and offer meaningful, practical assistance."
"Support from organisations like Commonwealth Bank plays a vital role in enabling Rural Aid to continue our work with farming families. This generous contribution sends a strong message to rural and regional Australians, that they are seen, valued, and not facing these challenges alone. It's partnerships like this that help keep the heart of our country strong, especially during the toughest times."
More about the partnership
Kylie Allen, CBA Executive General Manager Regional and Agribusiness Banking, said the donation is part of CommBank's commitment to show up for farmers and communities impacted by severe weather.
"The impact of drought and floods is being intensely felt across regional and rural Australia. We are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with Rural Aid who are deeply involved with farming communities throughout Australia," Ms Allen said.
"This donation is about more than just financial support, it is about being present, listening, and working alongside our partners and customers as members of the communities that we serve.
"We are inspired by the resilience of our communities in the face of adversity, and we have a range of support measures in place for our customers impacted by severe weather events or those facing financial hardship. We encourage any customers in these circumstances to reach out to us today," she said.
The announcement builds on CommBank's history of supporting regional communities, including previous donations to Rural Aid for mental health and drought relief programs and Farm Angels through the CommBank Community Grants program.
Go to CBA Newsroom for the latest news and announcements from Commonwealth Bank.
