RURAL Aid is appealing to Gippslanders to roll up their sleeves for a week of farm work.
The charity is planning a Farm Recovery Event in Orbost from July 30 to August 5, 2023. But a lack of volunteers is threatening the event’s likelihood.
Rural Aid Farms Coordinator, Grant Miskimmin, has urged more people to sign up, promising that Farm Recovery Events are hugely rewarding.
“We’ll be helping a handful of Orbost farmers repair their properties after last year’s devastating floods,” Mr Miskimmin said.
“These farmers still have debris across their paddocks and fences they haven’t been able to rebuild. Right now, we don’t have enough volunteers for our usual week-long event.
“We’re asking people to donate their time to help our farmers.”
Mr Miskimmin said no prior farming experience was needed.
“We are grateful for all kind of skill sets. We need help in several areas, from the camp kitchen, to tying barbed wire and picking up debris; there is a job for everyone,” he said.
“You’ll gain hands-on experience, learn new skills, and make treasured connections. It’s very rewarding to give back to our farmers; the backbone of our country.”
Rural Aid provides all volunteers with food over the week-long event. Volunteers typically stay in their own caravans at the Orbost Showgrounds.
Interested volunteers are urged to apply today at ruralaid.org.au/volunteers/
For more information on Rural Aid, visit the Rural Aid website, ruralaid.org.au or call 1300 327 624.
