By KATRINA BRANDON
RECOVERY is hard after natural disasters, but with organisations like Farm Angels, things are a tad brighter.
Held annually on August 14, workplaces, schools, sporting clubs and communities throw on their flannelette shirts for ‘Flanno for a Farmer Day’.
Farm Angels was established as Drought Angels in 2014 to respond to the needs of primary producers impacted by prolonged drought, initially in Queensland. Since then, the organisation has expanded to provide financial assistance, food hampers, care packages, and mental health and wellbeing support to thousands of primary producers affected by natural disasters (drought, flood, fire, and plagues) in more than 1550 communities across Australia.
The Glen (Glengarry Pub) held its Flanno for a Farmer Day recently. The night was a huge success, with all tables in the bistro and bar fully booked out.
Families and locals pitched in their support, whether it was grabbing a classic parma, having a drink or putting up donations for the cause.
During the night, $5 from each classic parma and $1 from each Travla beer went to the fundraising efforts.
Last year, the Glen raised $2200.
This year, they raised more than $1600.
These efforts have helped Farm Angels raise more than $1.269 million since 2014.
Australia loses a farmer to suicide every 10 days. Behind that number are families, communities and generations forever impacted. As many farming families continue recovering from drought, floods, bushfires and other natural disasters while navigating increasing financial pressures, the need for support has never been greater.
Farm Angels Chief Executive, Jason Law, said Australians can make a real difference through one simple act.
“Farming families are facing enormous challenges right now, and many are carrying those burdens quietly. Throwing on a flanno is a simple way to show they’re not alone, but it’s the donations behind it that allow us to provide practical support when families need it most,” he said.
“Every registration, every donation and every person who throws on a flanno helps us continue supporting farming families through some of the toughest times of their lives. Together, we can remind them that someone cares.”
Travla donated 100 per cent of its beer sales to Farm Angels for the event, in addition to helping spread awareness of the campaign and hosting fundraising ‘flanno nights’ at pubs across the country.
