A team of volunteers with country-based charity Rural Aid has been praised for their work to support farmers who are grappling with the aftermath of floods along the Snowy River near Orbost.
The team of 18 volunteers hailing from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria undertook a week of manual labour to aid farmers. This included tasks such as general maintenance, fencing, clearing and tree planting.
In November last year, in response to those floods, East Gippsland Shire Council hosted Rural Aid-led flood relief and recovery events in Orbost and Marlo to provide much-needed support to locals. After that event, Rural Aid advocated for disaster support to offer extra assistance to those most affected.
East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Mark Reeves expressed his appreciation for Rural Aid's efforts.
"The dedication shown by Rural Aid is truly commendable. Their team of volunteers has arrived in Newmerella to extend a helping hand to five farmers who bore the brunt of the floods. It's a gesture of solidarity with the community here that will be remembered."
Cr Reeves travelled to welcome the volunteers on their first night in the region, thanking them for their generosity. He noted that bringing a team from all over the country "does not happen by accident" and thanked those who worked to make the week come together.
Cr Reeves also noted the number of volunteers who travelled from across Gippsland to help.
"Everyone here thanks Rural Aid and all the volunteers who have travelled from across the country to lend their expertise and support," Cr Reeves said.
Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disasters through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance.
