Willawarrin, New South Wales

March 2024

In August 2024, Rural Aid volunteers travelled to Tenterfield in northern New South Wales to support farming families recovering from the devastating bushfires that impacted the region during the 2023–2024 fire season. Hot, dry conditions combined with strong winds created dangerous fire conditions across parts of the New England and Northern Tablelands, with fires damaging grazing land, fencing, feed supplies and critical farm infrastructure. For many local farming families, the bushfires added further strain after years of droughts, floods and severe seasonal challenges, leaving communities facing a long road to recovery.

During the Farm Recovery Event, 30 volunteers worked alongside six local farming families to help restore properties and support ongoing recovery efforts. Volunteers assisted with fencing repairs, clearing fire-affected areas and tackling practical farm jobs that helped ease some of the pressure on families rebuilding their livelihoods. Beyond the physical work completed, the event brought encouragement, connection and a reminder that rural communities across Australia continue to stand together through difficult seasons and recovery journeys.