“Agriculture has and always will be close to my heart. My family has deep connections to farming and the cattle industry going back to the 1860s in West Australia’s Pilbara region, and even before that, on farms closer to Perth, and pre that in England. I’m very proud of the pioneering endeavours of my ancestors, who successfully started the agricultural industry in the north west despite huge difficulties.
Our national identity was forged in the bush and the backbone of our country is built on agriculture and mining. These sectors continue to be cornerstones of our Australian economy and living standards – generating revenue and creating jobs and opportunities, indeed enabling Australia to push above its weight and become a G7 nation.
It is vitally important that our food producers – our farmers, are able to get back on their feet quickly, when disaster strikes – be it drought, bushfires, flood or accident.
Rural Aid provides this support before, during and after these disastrous events – giving farming families the hand up they require.
I encourage all Australians to throw their support behind Rural Aid and its ongoing efforts to ensure that “our mates in the bush” are helped when they need it most. We should all be proud of Australia’s fine agricultural produce.”
–Gina Rinehart
Charlie Mort, Executive Chairman of Mort & Co, brings extensive experience across Australia’s agricultural sector. Under his leadership, Mort & Co has grown into one of the nation’s largest privately held lotfeeding operations and a key contributor to the beef supply chain.
Charlie has a deep understanding of the pressures facing farmers, from climate variability and rising costs to global market uncertainty. His experience across the industry reinforces a strong commitment to supporting farming families and the communities they are part of.
“Australian farmers have always operated under the pressure of climate variability, rising costs and global market uncertainty.”
“Rural Aid plays an important role in stepping in when communities are facing challenges. I’ve always admired their on the ground, practical support and I am pleased to be able to support that work and the people behind it.”
As a Patron of Rural Aid, Charlie supports the organisation’s work alongside farmers and rural communities, helping ensure practical assistance continues to reach those who need it most.
Morgans Financial patronage will be led by Executive Chairman Brian Sheahan, who brings more than 40 years’ experience across the financial services and resources sectors. Since joining Morgans in 1997 and its Board in 2000, Brian has played a key role in the growth of Morgans Financial Limited and Morgans Holdings (Australia) Limited.
The appointment builds on Morgans Financial long-standing support of Rural Aid and its commitment to rural and regional Australia. Through initiatives including Big Dry Friday, established in 2018, Morgans Financial and the Morgans Foundation has helped raise funds and awareness to support farmers and communities experiencing hardship, with Rural Aid a major beneficiary since 2019.
Morgans Financial Executive Chairman Brian Sheahan said the organisation was proud to deepen its relationship with Rural Aid.
“Morgans has always valued the contribution of Australia’s farmers and the vital role they play in our economy and communities,” Mr Sheahan said.