Five Ways We Can Help Support Aussie Farmers

From donating funds for animal feeds to volunteering your time and skillset, here’s how we can help out.

We’re all well aware of the current and distressing state of affairs for farmers across the country. The entire state of New South Wales has been declared officially in drought, while large regions of other states are also seriously affected by the lack of rainfall, especially in north-west Victoria, eastern South Australia and parts of Queensland.

And here are some examples of how this plays out: farmers are being forced to cart water onto their property to keep both their family and animals alive. In some cases there is not enough coverage in their paddocks, necessitating the spending of more than $20,000 a week on animal feed alone. Extreme cases call for farmers to make the heartbreaking decision to sell the bulk of their livestock, many of which have bloodlines that have been within the family for generations.

All donation methods listed below are registered charities and tax deductible, and not every way to help is monetary.

Provide animal feed

The easiest way to help is providing respite in the form of animal feed, $20 will cover a farmer with a small bale of hay, including transportation costs. Companies such as Rural Aid Australia – Buy a Bale and Lions – Need for Feed allow you to make one-off donations or set up continuous contributions.

Provide human feed

Drought Angels and Rural Aid Australia provide support for Aussie farmers in the form of food packages, vouchers and prepaid Visa cards to assist with household purchases.

Collect signatures

Assistance need not cost you a thing. Farmers and community groups are collecting signatures to send a message to the government and encourage them on to do more. Maitland Mercury is heading up a petition with the aim of receiving 10,000 signatures to start a parliamentary debate on drought support.

Individual help

Some farmers have taken matters into their own hands. The Fairley family behind Country Valley Milk in Picton has started an ‘Adopt a Cow’ program , whereby you can donate a nominal amount and in return receive a photo and profile of the dairy cow you have taken under your wing.

Other individual live campaigns for drought relief can be found on Go Fund Me pages. It is worth noting campaigns such as Adopt a Cow and Go Fund Me pages are not tax deductible.

Volunteer

If you are living in an area where you are in a position to volunteer your time and skillset, head on over to Aussie Helpers. These guys connect tradies willing to donate their time to farmers who have jobs needing completion but are lacking the necessary funds.

Alternatively, should you live in an area with a higher rainfall count and have suitable acreage for agistment (grazing livestock), offering your land free of charge will assist farmers greatly with fresh feed for their animals.

No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.

The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road .

But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.

1. Start with the perfect vehicle

A woman sitting while reading inside Star RV Motorhomes spacious Polaris 6. — Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)

I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.

They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.

Take the Polaris 6 , for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.

Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.

2. Pack the tastiest snacks

A couple having a picnic beside Star RV Motorhomes. — Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.

Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).

Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.

Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.

3. Bring your pet for the ride

A child and its pet inside Star RV Motorhomes. — Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)

Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.

4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack

Two people having coffee with a view. — Chase the journey and the destination.

No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.

Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.

5. A spacious tent and camping gear

A woman sitting inside Star RV Motorhomes with a view of the lake in the background. — Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)

If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.

Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.

6. Plan your toilet breaks

Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.

To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.

7. Pick the ultimate destination

Aerial view of the Polaris 6 cruising along a coastal road with sweeping beach views. — Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)

Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).

There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.

Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.

Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.

Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/au .

5 ways we can support Aussie farmers in their time of need